Calf feeding excercise

Wheat Hay	Alfalfa Hay

Trough (Click to feed calf)

This interactive begins with a young calf waiting to be fed. Depending on how much protein is in the feed mix, the calf will grow well and reach target weight or will grow poorly and be emaciated. If the calf is given too much protein, this will pollute the nearby river.

Calculate the protein content for the hay first then drag them onto the trough.

weight

200 lb

Protein Content

Pollution

50 ppm NO⁻
₃

How protein is calculated

Protein is made up of amino acids. Amino acids are made up of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O), and contain one or more nitrogen (N) molecules.

Protein is the only macro-nutrient containing nitrogen (N), so we can analyze feed for nitrogen (N), then use that to calculate the crude protein (CP) content of the diet. To determine crude protein (CP) in the diet, we multiple the total nitrogen (N) by 6.25.

Scientists have determined that the average nitrogen (N) content of amino acids is 16%, and 1 / 0.16 = 6.25 which gives us the calculation to convert nitrogen (N) into crude protein (CP).

Calf Weight

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Average of feed protein

A typical feedlot ration will contain 16% protein. Sometimes it's necessary to mix feeds to get the optimal amount of nutrients.

Water Pollution

Nitrogen is the animal nutrient most likely to contaminate ground and surface waters. When excessive protein is fed to cattle, manure will contain high levels of nitrogen. The nitrate form of nitrogen (NO₃⁻) is especially prone to causing contamination

This molecule is weakly held by soil particles and, therefore, is highly mobile in the soil. This allows excess nitrate to move readily into groundwater or with surface runoff. The result can be water pollution.

Water with a nitrate concentration above 45 parts per million (ppm), or above 10 ppm nitrate-N, is considered unsafe for drinking. [US EPA]