Concentrate

What is Concentrate?

Concentrates are feedstuffs that are low in fiber and high in energy and/or protein. They include cereal grains (corn, barley, wheat), byproducts (soybean meal, distillers grains, beet pulp, wheat middlings), and commercial concentrate blends. Concentrates complement forages by providing the energy and protein needed for high milk production.

In dairy rations, concentrates typically make up 30–60% of the ration dry matter, depending on milk production level. A high-producing Holstein at 100 lbs milk/day may receive 25–30 lbs of concentrate daily, while a low producer at 50 lbs may receive only 10–15 lbs.

The key to concentrate feeding is balancing energy and protein while avoiding ruminal acidosis. Rapidly fermented concentrates (high starch — corn, wheat) produce volatile fatty acids that lower rumen pH. This is why effective fiber from forage must always be adequate, and concentrate should be limited to 0.5% of body weight per feeding to prevent acidosis.

Concentrate cost is typically higher per ton than forage ($250–$400/ton vs $50–$150/ton for forage). The economic goal is to feed just enough concentrate to support target milk production without overfeeding, which wastes money and increases health risks.

Common Concentrate Ingredients

Corn (ground, shelled, or high-moisture) is the primary energy source — 90% starch, 88% TDN, and provides 1,500–1,600 kcal/lb. Soybean meal (48% CP) is the gold standard protein source, providing excellent rumen-degradable and bypass protein balance. Distillers grains (30% CP + 10% fat) are an economical byproduct when available locally, offering both energy and protein. Beet pulp (10% CP, 12% fiber) is a "super fiber" — highly digestible fiber that provides energy without acidosis risk. Wheat middlings (16% CP, moderate energy) are a cost-effective binder and energy source. Cottonseed (23% CP, 20% fat) provides bypass protein and energy but is limited by gossypol toxicity in heifers. Hominy (90% starch, similar to corn) is often cheaper than corn. Choose ingredients based on local availability, cost per unit of nutrient (not per ton), and interaction with other ration components.

Concentrate Feeding Rules

Never feed more than 0.5% of body weight per single feeding — for a 1,400-lb cow, that's 7 lbs maximum per meal. Feed concentrate after forage, never before, to ensure adequate rumen fill and fiber fermentation before starch arrives. Transition cows onto concentrate gradually over 7–10 days — increase by 1–2 lbs per day to allow rumen microbes to adapt to higher starch levels. Balance protein for the right ratio of rumen-degradable protein (RDP, 60–65% of total CP) to rumen-undegradable protein (RUP/bypass, 35–40% of total CP). High-producing cows (100+ lbs milk) need more bypass protein (soybean meal, distillers) while lower producers can rely more on RDP sources (urea, canola meal). Monitor feed bunks — if cows are sorting grain and leaving forage, reduce concentrate particle size or mix into TMR.

Concentrate Cost Optimization

Bulk purchasing of staple ingredients (corn, soybean meal) in 20–50 ton quantities can save $15–$30/ton compared to bagged or small deliveries. Evaluate byproducts based on cost per unit of nutrient, not per ton — distillers grains at $180/ton may provide more value than corn at $200/ton when factoring in protein and fat content. On-farm mixing eliminates the commercial feed markup ($50–$100/ton) and gives full control over ingredients. Least-cost ration formulation software (e.g., PMMP, WinFeed, NDS) optimizes ingredient selection to minimize cost while meeting nutrient requirements — typically saves $0.15–$0.30/cow/day. Review ration costs monthly and compare ingredient prices. A $0.10/cow/day saving across a 200-cow herd over 305 days equals $6,100/year. Negotiate contracts with multiple suppliers and lock in prices when market conditions are favorable.