Review: Technical Aspects for the Utilization of Small Grain Straws as Feed Energy Sources for Ruminants: Emphasis on Beef Cattle

Wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice, and millet are all considered small grains. These small grains are carbohydrate and vitamin rich and have become food staples for humans and animals worldwide. Small grains have been cultivated by man for thousands of years and through selective breeding, they have become one of the most productive crops grown by man. Small grains have been adapted to grow in nearly every climate on earth. Rice and wheat are the largest crops in the world (Asseng, Foster, & Turner, 2011). Generally only seed portions of small grain plants are eaten by humans whereas non-seed parts of harvested small grain plants (straw) are largely considered waste.