Final Report for FNE02-403
Project Information
Note to reader, attached is the complete final report for FNE02-403.
Through this grant, we took a look at what alternative feeds are, some of their positive and negative attributes, how to determine nutritional needs, how feed stuffs are broken down, and how to balance alternative feeds with existing livestock feed rations. We discovered that there is not an abundance of alternative feed resources in New England. However, we believe with proper research and implementation, alternative feeds can be effectively used to enhance existing rations as protein or energy supplements and thus, help bring down feed costs. The major accomplishment of this grant was the completion of an alternative feed guide to be used, primarily by small farmers. We wanted to produce a simple, easy to follow guide that could help farmers to balance their livestock feed rations. Rather than prescribe specific types of alternative feeds, our goal was to encourage farmers to consider the potential value and benefits of using alternative feeds and to learn how to calculate livestock feed rations using the Pearson Square.