When feeding corn byproducts in a cow diet, I wouldn't consider adding an ionophore because the amount of fiber in these feeds would reduce the number of digestive upsets. Additionally, since the starch is removed, I would not expect acidosis when including the byproducts at a level of seven to eight pounds per head, per day on a dry matter basis. Also, the diets will have plenty of protein, and you would not need to supplement protein. The way you would likely get the ionophore into the diet is through a protein supplement. I would include the ionophore in the backgrounding calf diets. Ionophores can be used to improve feed efficiency by up to 10 percent. Ionophores (Rumensin and Bovatec) can also be used to help control coccidiosis if fed at the proper levels. Avoid large amounts of fermented feeds (silages) in the starting program. Cattle may have a slight aversion to fermented feeds if they are offered in large quantities or if they simply were not harvested and stored properly. These feeds should be gradually stepped up in the feeding program, similar to grains. If you use corn byproducts in the diets, I would recommend that you include calcium because there is plenty of phosphorus and you want to guard against water belly. If you feed distillers grains, you could work them up to one-third of the diet on a dry matter basis being distillers.

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