If you want to minimize your costs while improving the nutritional value of your crops, then corn for cattle feed is a viable option. But how do you get the most out of your crop? There are several factors to consider, including cost, starch digestibility, and trampling. Here are some ideas on how to maximize the value of your corn crop. Use them to increase your returns. And remember: plant perpendicular to the grazing line to minimize trampling and maximize your return on investment.
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Alternatives to corn for cattle feed
Producers are increasingly looking for alternative feed sources that are high in energy and protein. Since feed is the largest production cost for cattle operations, many are seeking more energy and protein sources. While many beef cow-calf producers rely on forages for their cattle’s diet, others feed nutrient-dense rations to their dairy cows. While most of these rations are composed of digestible forages, they sometimes include as much grain as they are compatible with the function of the rumen.
In order to find alternative feed sources, producers need to analyze the composition and nutrient content. Some alternative feed sources may contain pesticide residues and are not recommended for feeding to cattle. Some feed sources may also have special handling, processing, and storage requirements. Ultimately, producers should use the most appropriate feed for their animals. However, it is important to know what’s in the feed before committing to use it.
Cost of corn
With rising grain prices affecting both chicken processors and cattle producers, the futures market is in for a rough ride this year. Prices have surged dramatically over the past four months, with weekly cash corn prices in Dodge City, Kan., hitting $4.17 per bushel by mid-October and reaching $5.44 per bushel by November. July corn is currently selling for $5.20 per bushel.
High corn prices can be stomached if cattle contracts rise along with them. In the cattle business, you’ve likely heard the saying, “high corn makes for high cattle.” Historically, cattle contracts tended to trade inversely to the corn market. Therefore, high corn prices will have a positive impact on feeders. It is vital to plan your feeding program accordingly. However, higher feed prices do not mean you should stop raising cattle.
Compared to cash-marketing, marketing corn through cattle will result in greater, but more variable, returns. Adding a feedlot enterprise increases your exposure to weather risks and the cattle market. To offset the downside risk, you should invest in risk management tools, better working capital, and additional marketing efforts. If you want to avoid losing money, you should diversify your operation. There are numerous benefits to selling cattle and feeding corn to cattle.
Starch digestibility
Although starch digestibility in corn for cattle feed has been well-studied for decades, the recent introduction of new “floury” corn silage varieties has created confusion in the market. Despite the claims of a “flourier” corn silage, these varieties do not necessarily have a higher starch digestibility. Instead, the difference between the two is the amount of protein and starch present in the kernel.
The difference in starch digestibility between cracked and very fine-ground corn is significant, ranging from nearly 100 percent to only 84 percent. Using different amounts of these feed ingredients can result in a large difference in starch digestibility, which could cost a cow approximately three lb of milk a day. It is essential to use a standardized procedure to ensure the consistency of results. A standardized forage can be obtained by running a batch in a lab.
Planting perpendicular to grazing line to minimize trampling
To minimize trampling, plant corn perpendicular to the grazing line. This way, animals can easily move into the row when they are grazing. Then, drive a four-wheeler across the row to move the livestock. Providing grazing area is the next important step. If you have cattle, make sure that they can reach the grazing area without crossing the line.
When planting corn perpendicular to the grazing line, remember that cattle will clean up after themselves and the area. Always monitor the amount of wastage, and don’t force your cows to graze corn stalks first. If you do allow grazing, you can make up for the low mineral content of corn with free choice alfalfa grass hay. When using cattle to graze, wait until the ground has frozen before turning the cows onto the fields. This will reduce trampling losses, and the cattle can also select high-quality material.
