If you are feeding whole shelled corn cattle, you have a couple of choices for the types of corn you buy. Some people choose to buy corn that has been processed, but you can buy whole kernel corn.
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Protein
If you are considering feeding whole shelled corn as part of a grain based diet, you should consider several factors. First, you should be aware that the average protein content of corn is fairly low. In addition, corn is a good source of starch. A high starch content may decrease forage utilization and may also negatively affect performance in feedlot cattle.
In addition, corn is prone to certain antinutritional factors. These factors include molds, fungi, and smuts. Aflatoxins are another antinutritional factor.
In addition, the protein content of corn is fairly variable. Consequently, the level of protein in your ration will differ between cattle.
This variability can have a significant impact on your beef rations and dairy customers. As a result, your feed rations will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Starch
Whole shelled corn is not the most digestible feed item you can put in the rumen. The rumen’s ability to use the forage is compromised by high amounts of starch. The starch granules inside the kernels are protected by a multi-layered fibrous shell known as the pericarp.
According to John Goeser, Rock River Laboratory research and innovation director, whole shelled corn is not necessarily the most efficient way to provide starch for your cattle. He prefers to see a good portion of starch digested in the rumen, with a great deal of the starch coming from the intestines.
There are several factors that impact the rate of digestion of starch, including the grain’s moisture content, particle size, mastication, processing and fermentation. The optimum concentration of starch allows for higher levels of protein/energy availability, while also sustaining higher milk production.
Fiber
A recent Journal of Animal Science study investigated the effects of processing on the digestibility of whole shelled corn. It was found that cattle fed cracked and whole shelled corn had similar FE and ADG.
However, there were differences in starch digestibility and ruminal acidosis. This may be due to increased ruminal starch fermentation, which could limit the rumen’s ability to absorb nutrients. It is also possible that the corn was not being chewed properly.
Regardless, the effects of processing on whole shelled corn digestion should be evaluated carefully. The results of this study indicate that whole shelled corn is not commonly used in large commercial feedlot diets.
Acidosis
Many researchers have studied the effects of grain processing on the performance of feedlot cattle. There are various reports that suggest feeding processed corn to feedlot cattle can improve performance. However, this has not been consistently verified. Some studies have shown that processing may enhance the rumen’s ability to digest starch, thereby increasing the risk of acidosis.
Whole shelled corn, on the other hand, is a less commonly used corn-based feed in large commercial feedlots. This type of corn can have an enhanced effect on ruminal starch fermentation, which may result in reduced feedlot performance.
In fact, there are several studies that have examined the effect of feeding whole shelled corn on the digestion of other forages. For example, researchers at the Ohio State University looked at the effects of a whole corn diet on ruminal digestion. They found that a whole corn diet resulted in an increased rate of salivation. This was not the case for a cracked corn or dry processed corn-based diet. The whole shelled corn diet actually buffered the rumen by preventing it from depleting its pH.
Buying whole-kernel corn
For a number of reasons, buying whole kernel corn for cattle is a good idea. In addition to the obvious reasons of keeping your ruminants well fed and healthy, it also reduces the risk of metabolic disorders.
To give you an idea of how much money you can save, you can get a pound of whole kernel corn for about $4.50, whereas a pound of cracked corn is about $2.00. The same amount of hay will cost about $160. Plus, it will take up the same space as one pound of corn. If you need to cut costs, you might want to consider buying a corn feeder.
Limit-fed diets
Limit-fed diets for whole shelled corn cattle are an alternative for conventional forage-based diets for nonlactating dairy cattle. They are based on a high-energy diet of corn by-products. They offer advantages in efficiency and efficiency of use.
Limit-fed diets based on corn by-products are economical and can be a useful substitute for expensive hay. In particular, they reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and acidosis.
Limit-fed diets are designed to be fed at roughly the same time each day. This helps ensure that cows are getting enough nutrition at the right times. Also, a consistent intake pattern is needed to avoid digestive disorders and ruminal acidosis.
