Cereal rye grain has many applications in crop and livestock production. Farmers incorporate rye into their corn-soybean rotations to increase yields, while ranchers may use it as hay for alternative feed. Recently, a listener on K-State’s Cattle Chat podcast inquired about using rye grain in cattle rations. Kansas State University beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster confirmed that it can be included, although its suitability depends on the cattle’s class.

Cattle can include rye grain in their diets, as it is nutritionally similar to other cereal grains like oats and barley, though with higher fiber content than wheat. Producers often choose rye for its cold tolerance and minimal soil and moisture requirements. An additional benefit is its potential to replace corn, a more expensive feed, in certain cattle diets. Research has shown that cattle-fed rye instead of corn performed similarly. However, rye grain may not be suitable for finishing cattle, as studies indicate that it results in lower dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion compared to corn.

Producers do not need to process rye grain before feeding it to cattle. Research indicated that hammer milling rye did not improve cattle performance, so milling may not be necessary.

However, producers should inspect rye seed heads in the field to avoid health issues related to ergot fungus. Rye is more susceptible to this fungus than other cereals, which can restrict blood flow and cause severe damage to animals. It is important to check for dark black or brown fungus on the seed heads and avoid feeding any grain from affected areas. Despite this caution regarding ergot toxicity, rye can be a suitable component of cattle rations depending on the specific type of cattle being fed.