Green corn stalks offer cattle producers a nutritionally rich, relatively cost-effective feed alternative. In late summer and fall months when many traditional forage crops are dormant or producing lower yields, green corn stalks provide valuable grazing.
Producers can utilize corn stalks sparingly in lactation rations to cut back on costs by extending forage supplies without adding storage costs. However, caution must be exercised when feeding high fiber feedstuffs as overfeeding may lead to decreased intake and decreased milk production.
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Grazing Method
Feeding green corn stalks to cattle can extend the grazing season and reduce stored feed needs. It’s an efficient way to recycle residue from corn production without needing costly harvesting or feeding equipment.
The grazing method for corn stalks can vary based on stocking density and available forage in the field. It may also depend on the livestock species’ dietary needs and whether additional feed is needed.
As the grazing season progresses, forage quality may deteriorate. This means that residue grazed during this period could be lower in protein and higher in fiber than what would have been available later in the season.
When grazing drought-stressed corn, it’s best to limit access to the field in order to minimize both grain and nitrate risk. This can be achieved by strip grazing on corn stalks and cross fencing the area to prevent ingestion of kernels.
Feeding Schedule
With high hay costs and limited corn yields, some cattle producers are considering feeding corn stalks to their animals. University of Illinois Extension beef cattle specialist Travis Meteer says these crop residues can be an economical grazing alternative.
Meteer states that corn stalks possess a high moisture and crude protein concentration, making them an excellent feed for livestock. Furthermore, these stalks can be converted to manure for use on the ground or in barns as bedding.
He suggests that livestock graze the green portion of corn first, as it contains more digestible protein, energy and nutrients than other parts of the plant. For cows especially, this would be a beneficial option during their initial 30 days of grazing.
At this stage of grazing, protein levels may be lower than in higher-protein portions of the plant; thus, it cannot substitute for hay but can fill a forage gap and help minimize pasture loss. Furthermore, during the first month of grazing it is wise to give your herd a mineral supplement in order to meet their mineral requirements.
Precautions
When feeding green corn stalks to cattle, take precautions to prevent acute acidosis. This sudden drop in rumen pH due to rapid grain overload can result in illness or death, according to Purdue Extension animal scientist Jeff Lemenager.
Producers should inspect fields for downed corn areas before turning out cattle, according to Lemenager. This is an ideal time to assess corn yield loss and estimate how much grain cows might consume over a short period of time.
He further suggests producers feed several pounds of corn grain per cow each day to accustom the rumen to starch and prevent sudden acidosis in hungry cows that have not previously experienced adaptation with starch in their diets.
Nutrient content of corn stalks varies significantly based on the percentage of stalk, leaf, husk, cob and grain in a given field. That makes nutrient testing essential when formulating rations, according to Meteer.
Management
Due to the drought and conversion of hay acres into corn production, many dairy producers are facing a shortage of forage. They are searching for ways to extend their inventory without compromising milk production.
One option is feeding green corn stalks to cattle as a more cost-effective alternative than feeding expensive hay.
Cows can benefit by grazing green corn stalks, helping them remove 30-40% of residue that accumulates in fields after corn harvest. Doing this helps prevent nutrient buildup for the next crop.
Cattle are selective grazers and will prioritize eating the more nutritious plant parts. Unfortunately, long-term grazing of a field may reduce its nutrient value due to weathering.
Treating corn stalks to increase digestibility and boost forage quality has been demonstrated in feedlot trials with great success. Studies have even demonstrated that up to 20% of corn grain can be substituted without affecting performance in these rations.
