Economics and Logistics of Blending Condensed Distillers Solubles with Stover on Small to Mid-Size Cattle Farms

Condensed Distillers Solubles (CDS) and corn stover mixed at a 3:1 or 2:1 ratio has been shown to have potential as a competitive feedstuff for beef and dairy cattle producers. Through lab scale silo tests, the aerobic stability, pH, mold and nutrient values suggest that these blends can partially replace corn silage. Cost projections were modeled for 8 processes of mixing the CDS and stover for storage in bag silos and were calculated using published custom rates, machinery prices, fuel price, machinery capacity, power requirements, transportation, and material costs. The processes focused on strategies of baling or chopping the stover, while shredding and processing were additional options. The Chop/Mix/Bag model was considered best with currently available technology, costing $63.6/Mg ($58.4/ton). Decreasing the price of corn by 33% saved the user $11.1/Mg or 16% per unit of the CDS and stover mix. Corn silage may be currently preferred due to its close proximity to the farm, relatively easy handling and lower fat content compared to the CDS and stover blend, but optimal inclusion rates in livestock diets may change with increased grain prices.