Feeding corn to cattle can reduce labor costs and improve grazing efficiency, but there are drawbacks. Corn will result in some wastage and trampled feed. Grazing efficiency is 60 to 90 percent. The shorter the feeding interval, the higher the grazing efficiency. Some farmers have tried feeding three days of corn to cattle. This has resulted in higher wastage and less labor. To get the most out of feeding corn, consider only feeding cattle one day a week.
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Cost of feeding corn to cattle
The cost of feeding corn to cattle is determined by looking at the price of the grain and its production costs. Typically, farmers pay around $30 per acre for corn stalks. Corn residue, however, is a much cheaper option. In addition to corn stalks, farmers may also use corn residue in winter months. Figure 2 shows the cost of feeding corn to cattle for an 80-cow herd. After accounting for costs, the feed costs per cow per day are $3.45.
Increasing corn prices has a number of effects. Higher prices encourage feedlot operators to sell lighter-weight cattle. A recent study indicated that the cost of feeding corn to cattle had a positive impact on steer carcasses. Heifers had an average weight of 850 pounds for the week ending Dec. 18, 2021, a one-pound drop from the week before and three pounds higher than a year ago. This could be attributed to higher corn prices.
Quality of corn
When selecting a forage for cattle, a number of factors must be considered when determining the quality. Some of the most important factors are energy content, NDF digestibility, and length of cut. In addition, starch content should be considered, as is the digestibility of ammonia. These factors are important in determining the balance of rations. Below are some important tips for selecting corn for cattle. For best results, read label directions carefully.
Although cattle feeds are typically composed of approximately 15 percent forages and 40 percent roughages, they will require a feed high in protein, fat, and minerals to develop high-marbling. Using corn grain as a final diet in cattle production not only boosts growth efficiency, but also improves carcass quality grades and increases the amount of fat deposition, resulting in a more desirable product for consumers. Cattle fed on corn or wheat (20% or 40% DM) are a good choice for beef producers who are concerned about the environmental impact of cattle feeding.
Nutritional value of corn
During a recent media event coordinated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Associate Professor Tyron Wickersham discussed the nutritional value of corn for cattle. According to him, 1,400 pounds of corn per steer is needed to finish the animal. The nutritional value of high lysine corn is limited currently, but would be valuable for cows producing over 9500 kilograms of milk per lactation. Meanwhile, high oil content corn is of limited economic value at current prices of fat ingredients.
The nutritional value of feeds depends on the concentration and the amount of digestible nutrients in them. Although proximate analyses can provide some estimates, true nutrient information can only be obtained by digestion trials. However, not all feeds have the capability of being tested, so previous digestibility information is used to estimate digestibility. Therefore, it is advisable to have your feeds analyzed for their nutrient composition, including the concentration and digestibility.
Availability of corn
High corn prices are impacting the cost of finishing cattle. This article explores the impact of high corn prices on cattle production and finishing. If prices are high, feedlots will be able to sell more corn than they can produce. However, this will require more working capital. In order to maximize profits, producers should consider a long-term plan that includes the cost of corn and availability of alternative feeds, such as soymeal.
The primary vehicle for the delivery of U.S. corn to Canada is the Canadian Pacific Railway. Last year, Canadian producers received over 8,100 carloads of U.S. corn for feeding cattle in Alberta. However, the railway has been facing significant delivery delays and increased freight costs. As a result, producers have been scrambling to find alternative feed sources. Fortunately, the Canadian Prairies and the Midwest can supply corn for cattle.
