Eric Bailey, a University of Missouri Extension beef nutrition specialist, has encountered many stories of farmers experimenting with alternative feeds, but one involving mayonnaise stands out. He shared with the Farm Progress how Jim Humphrey, a fellow Extension specialist, learned the hard way about the challenges of using food waste as animal feed. A farmer had purchased a large batch of expired mayonnaise thinking it would be a cheap feed option, but upon delivery, it was in airtight packages rather than a bulk, semi-liquid form. The farmer had to unpackage the entire load before adding it to the cattle ration.

Bailey has heard of various unconventional feeds being used, from brewer’s grains to bakery waste and even expired candy. While these feeds are often cheaper, they come with trade-offs, including the time and effort required to process them. He stresses that the nutritional profile of these alternative feeds is key. For example, processed snacks, which are high in sugars and starches, can quickly lead to rumen acidosis if not properly balanced in the cattle’s diet.

Bailey advises farmers to start slowly when introducing alternative feeds, limiting their inclusion to about 10% of the total ration. Bakery waste, like bread and doughnuts, is often used without modification, though Bailey recommends a feeding limit of 10-20% of the total dry matter. In contrast, vegetable waste, being perishable and variable in nutritional content, should be used cautiously.
For those using food waste, Bailey urges farmers to monitor the consistency and nutritional value of the feed, particularly with rapidly changing products. Working with a nutritionist is essential for managing the health and performance of cattle. While alternative feeds can help reduce costs and provide environmental benefits, Bailey’s advice is to start small, keep a close eye on cattle, and consider the “return on hassle” before fully committing to these feeds. In some cases, the savings might not be worth the extra effort.