DENTAL EFFECTS OF FEEDING SWEET-POTATO CANNERY WASTE IN BEEF-CATTLE

Evaluation of dental health is an important part of an overall herd in vestigation. This column summarizes the investigation of two cattle he rds experiencing production difficulties that were attributable to the use of a free-choice diet of sweet potato cannery waste as an alterna tive feed. After concluding that sweet potato cannery waste ws the cau se of enamel erosion, the authors make the following recommendations: (1) Conduct a complete evaluation of all animals; (2) Cull all cows wi th sever tooth erosion immediately; (3) Use conventional feeding metho ds until a slurry feeding system that does not cause dental problems i s developed; and (4) Develop a more balanced nutritional management pr ogram.