NCI Future of Feeding Webinar Series | Featuring Bob Thaler, Zach Smith, & Warren Rusche

Each month, NCI holds a new update in the Future of Feeding webinar series, which focuses on using innovation in the processing of animal food, the equipment being used, as well as using grains from our region for co-products. This month, we featured three speakers: Bob Thaler, Professor and Extension Swine Specialist at SDSU, Zach Smith, Assistant Professor at SDSU, and Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor & Extension Feedlot Specialist at SDSU. Their discussion topics ranged from Hybrid Rye’s impact on pigs (both from a performance and human consumption standpoint), the impact on the feeding value of Hybrid Rye from including it in beef feedlot diets, and the numerous benefits it provides when featured as part of an integrated crops-livestock system, and more!  

Zach Smith, Assistant Professor at SDSU.

Zach Smith began the webinar by providing some background on three research studies that he and his colleagues have conducted regarding rye as a cattle feed grain. The first study ran from October 2019 to January 2020, and involved a dose titration replacement of dry-rolled corn (DRC) with dry-rolled rye (DRR) in the feed. The second study was from September 2020 to November 2020, and included a complete replacement of DRC with whole rye. The third study, spanning March 2022 to August 2022, dialed back the replacement of the DRC with rye, with only one-third of the DRC being replaced this time.  

All three studies proved that rye could serve as a viable replacement for the corn in the feed, and presented no discernible negative effects on the observed traits of the test cattle. Though, it was noted that the type of rye used in the feed (whole, dry-rolled, etc.) had some bearing on the quality of the feed. The ratio that appeared to have the most success was the one-third replacement conducted during the third study, making this the most viable alternative for further exploration by the science team.  

Bob Thaler, Professor and Extension Swine Specialist at SDSU.

Once Smith’s presentation concluded, Bob Thaler took over. His presentation focused on the use of hybrid rye in the swine industry. He began by offering a backstory on the history of hybrid rye growth (which began in Western Europe) and how it is a potential solution to the increasing consumer interest in food raised in a “sustainable” manner. This only further strengthens its appeal as an ingredient in animal feed production.  

Thaler then discussed his own research study that he conducted, which looked at the impact introducing higher levels of hybrid rye in pig feed had on the animals’ overall performance and consumer preference. By replacing corn with hybrid rye (similarly as in Smith’s studies) at differing levels, they found that their results largely appeared to mirror those that Smith’s research produced. Their use in pig feed, though, is largely dependent on the economic situation over the next few years – currently, hybrid rye’s high price (because of its demand with those purchasing it for seed purposes) is a hinderance to its widespread adoption.  

Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor & Extension Feedlot Specialist at SDSU.

Finally, to conclude the webinar, Warren Rusche spoke on using cereal rye from a “systems” perspective. In other words, taking a holistic view of using this in the feed industry. Cereal rye offers numerous agronomic benefits in crop rotation, and increased yield potential. Rusche also stated that there exists more than one choice for how to increase rye usage (ex. harvesting early for forage crop or harvesting later for grain). This allows the rye to be used according to what works best for that particular operation’s characteristics. He also shared a sample calendar outlining what a potential rye growing season could look like, in order to provide a starting point for those embarking on adding this crop to their portfolio.  

Rusche echoed the comments made by Smith and Thaler: rye appears to be a viable alternative to traditional ingredients in swine and beef feed, and offers additional options for integrated-livestock producers. Using this rye also could prove effective in improving system resiliency, economic outcomes, and sustainability. Optimism for implementing this change on a larger scale seems to be high, making it a likely outcome over the coming years or so.  

Northern Crops Institute greatly appreciates Zach Smith, Bob Thaler, and Warren Rusche’s involvement and input in our webinar. At NCI, we continue to work towards fulfilling our mission to support regional agriculture and value-added processing by conducting educational and technical programs that expand and maintain domestic and international markets for northern grown crops. All of this wouldn’t be possible without the innovative ideas of guest speakers like these three individuals.  

To watch the recording, click the video below.  

For more information about future webinars offered at NCI, click here.