During the Missouri Livestock Symposium, a beef nutritionist addressed the questions raised by attendees about using corn for cow feed. He emphasized the benefits of hay, but warned that too much corn may upset cows’ digestive systems. Corn is a high-sugar grain that causes the rumen to digest fiber more slowly. The rumen’s microbes are sensitive to starch, so it’s crucial to avoid overfeeding cows.
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Processed corn
Corn is a common ingredient in feedlot diets because of its high energy content. Its digestibility is also high, and is one of the most preferred sources of energy for fattening cattle. There are many types of corn, and the nutrient content varies significantly according to climate, soil conditions, and planting level. This article explores the pros and cons of processed corn for cow feed. Here are a few of its advantages:
Corn is an excellent source of energy for beef cattle. It is one of the most common sources of energy in the diet, with nine percent CP and 88 percent TDN. However, cattle must be adapted to high corn levels to gain maximum benefits from the diet. The starch content of corn is quickly digested in the rumen, but too much can lead to acidosis. However, corn can be enhanced in digestibility by being processed.
Grain-based diets
Cereal grains are widely used in the cattle feeding industry. These grains provide concentrated, highly digestible energy. These feeds are ideal for wintering cattle when roughages are not readily available, too expensive or of poor quality. Additionally, grain-based rations can supplement roughages in other ways, such as adding various by-products of grain processing. Using grains in cow feeds is beneficial for both cows and the environment.
A high-grain diet can promote the growth of Escherichia coli in cattle. Studies conducted by Russell and colleagues in 1998 indicated that these bacteria were more resistant to acid shocks, making them less likely to shed harmful E. coli 0157:H7 from feces. This can lead to an increased risk of disease, including sudden death. A higher grain-based diet can also promote the growth of Clostridium perfringens, which is responsible for sudden death in feedlot cattle.
Acidosis
A reduction in subacute acidosis is a major factor contributing to an increase in efficiency in corn for cow feed. This is attributed to a change in the diet consisting of highly digestible corn fiber instead of starch. The effect accounts for 30 to 70% of the improvement in efficiency, and is often underestimated because it is difficult to observe. This problem is especially common in feed formulated for ruminants.
In addition to this, acidosis has been found in the diet of cattle fed with wheat and corn. Wheat feed had a similar effect, as did corn diets. It was difficult to detect subacute acidosis because the rumen and the brain are not adequately produced. Therefore, managers of feedlots often see cattle wandering aimlessly, indicating the absence of thiamine.
Costs
Higher costs of corn for cow feed have both positive and negative effects on cattle producers. For one, higher prices can influence feedlots to market lighter-weight cattle. In fact, steer carcasses weighed 924 pounds for the week ending Dec. 18, 2021. That’s one pound lighter than the week prior, and three pounds heavier than a year ago. On the other hand, the same increase in price can lead to higher costs for by-product feeds.
With corn prices rising sharply over the last year, other feed commodities are following suit. In addition to corn, other feed ingredients, such as protein and fat, have also increased. In addition to these costs, milk prices are significantly above their long-term average. This means that feed costs may have an impact on dairy production’s profit margins. Fortunately, feedlot operators are able to adapt their feeding practices and adjust their prices accordingly.
Ethics
Ethical issues are emerging around the world over the use of corn for cow feed, but there is a lack of information on this topic. It is estimated that 530 million bushels of corn are used for this purpose every year. Pollan tried to find out where the corn products are made, but was refused access to the manufacturing facilities by Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland. She could not see the chemical processing involved in creating corn products.
While the collective human impact is rapidly approaching Earth’s biophysical limits, there are still hundreds of millions of undernourished people around the world. About sixty percent of global crop production is eaten by people, while 35 percent is fed to livestock. Only five percent is used for biofuels and other industrial products. In this essay, we’ll explore the ethical issues associated with the use of edible nutrition as feedstock and biofuel. Ethical considerations are paramount for the use of this resource. The value we place on Earth’s land and resources reflects our values.
