Unlike other grains, cows like corn in winter and will be grateful to be given this source of energy. Corn contains twice the calories of alfalfa hay and therefore provides more energy and heat. Loerch has been feeding cows for 15 years, and he says his ration helps them maintain good condition and optimal growth. His recommended diet consists of 12 pounds of whole shelled corn and two pounds of first-cutting hay.
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Grazing cornstalks
Grazing cornstalks for cow’s winter diet can improve overall performance, but there are some caveats. For example, supplementation with calcium and other nutrients is not required. Depending on the quality of the cornstalks and the cow’s body condition, supplementation may be necessary. Fortunately, cornstalk grazing is much cheaper than other cattle feed options this winter.
Grazing cornstalks for cow’s winter feed provides a great deal of forage for the cattle, providing a tremendous amount of supplementary forage. And research shows that the presence of GMO cornstalks does not affect the plant’s yield. Therefore, cows can benefit from grazing cornstalks in the winter. But, if the cows’ diet is deficient in cornstalks, grazing them may decrease their growth and productivity.
Grazing distillers grains
During winter, a supplement like distillers’ grains can provide cows with protein and fat, and it is relatively cheap. Distillers grains are an excellent source of protein and energy in a diet that contains forage. If you are considering using this product, it is important to know what type of grain to buy and store. Here are some helpful articles and videos. You can also find a spreadsheet tool on our By-Products section to estimate storage costs.
De-oiled distillers’ grain is also a valuable protein source for cows on low-quality forages. It also works as an energy supplement in feedlots. Generally, mature cows on winter pasture do not care if they lose a significant amount of fat in their diet, but it may impact their growth. While fat provides energy, it is not a good source of heat. Cows need more fiber to produce body heat than they get from grain. Distillers’ grain is a good source of both protein and fiber.
Grazing cornstalks on sandier ground
Grazing cornstalks on a sandier ground for cows in the winter can provide nutritional and economic benefits for both the cows and the rancher. But not everyone can make use of cornstalks as feed. While they may not be edible for humans, cornstalks are highly digestible for cows. Here are some advantages of cornstalk grazing.
Grazing cornstalks on a sandier field for cows during the winter can provide tremendous forage for cattle. Moreover, corn residue does not negatively impact crop yields. However, there are a few things that producers should consider before putting cows on cornstalks. For one, high nitrates in corn residue can be toxic to cattle. Second, cattle may find drought-stressed plants more desirable than healthy ones. In addition, they may seek out drought-stressed plants when first turned onto a pivot-irrigated field. Lastly, producers can extend the grazing period for cows by side feeding them soybean meal, whole cottonseed or high protein hay. Finally, cows on cornstalks should receive their normal winter ration
Grazing cornstalks in a bunk
Many livestock producers are experimenting with feeding their cows a diet of cornstalks after harvest. Aaron Stalker, a range systems specialist with the University of Nebraska in North Platte, says this alternative is an excellent choice for improving cow body condition. He estimates that cornstalks provide the equivalent of about 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) of feed per bushel of yield.
Depending on how much corn you grow, 150 bushels per acre will provide up to two thousand pounds of dry matter residue to a cow. However, not all of that residue will be consumed by the animal. Researchers at the University of Nebraska looked at the effects of corn crop residues on animal performance and diet quality and determined that only about six percent of corn stalks were consumed by cattle.
Grazing cornstalks on mud
For the purposes of grazing cows in the winter, a farmer may use cornstalks, which can be a valuable source of energy. Depending on the class and performance objective of the cattle, the livestock may require supplementary energy and protein. Grazing cornstalks may extend grazing periods if side-fed with soybean meal, whole cottonseed, or high-protein hay. However, cattle should still get their regular winter ration of silage or hay.
Adding CRYSTALYX to cornstalk hay may help increase the amount of nutrients your cows get from the hay and mud. While younger cows are not as efficient in a cornstalk winter grazing system, older cows may be more successful. In addition to providing more nutrients to the cows, CRYSTALYX also improves the efficiency of a cowherd. The effect of winter supplemental feeding on cows was investigated by Rick N. Funston, Jeremy Martin, Don C. Adams, and Daniel M. Larson.
Grazing distillers grains on sandier ground
Grazing distillers grains on saline, sandy ground for cows in winter can produce significant improvements in feed efficiency. These grains contain 85 to 95 percent digestible nutrients, making them a valuable supplement to forages. Distillers grains are primarily composed of digestible fat and fiber, which compliment forage fiber. Their fat content ranges from 10 to 14 percent on a dry matter basis, but they may be as low as 4% to 6%.
Generally, cattle do not like distillers grains, but they enjoy a tasty treat from them. Cattle are year-round sustainability rock stars, grazing their pastures as nature’s solar-powered food producing machines. However, the use of modified distillers grains in cattle feed can pose some challenges. Feeding cows this type of feed requires proper planning and balancing of rations.
