Cows fed candy as feed prices rise

Ranchers are struggling with skyrocketing corn prices, because the drought has made feeding their livestock very expensive.

In Kentucky, Joseph Watson has been looking for ways to cut those costs.

"Just to be able to survive, we have to look for other sources of nutrition."

Watson's 1,400 cattle are no longer feeding off corn. They're eating second-hand candy that companies declare unfit for stores shelves.

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"Salvage is a problem for a lot of these companies and they're proud to have a place to go with it,"

Watson is hoping the cattle gain weight before they’re brought to slaughter. Feeding them chocolate seems to get the job done. Watson even says it's healthy.

The candy is mixed with an ethanol by-product and a mineral nutrient.