Ground ear corn is an ideal option for finishing cattle. It boasts several advantages over dry corn.
Studies have demonstrated that high moisture ground ear corn has 6-10% more feed value when stored as high moisture feed than when fed dry, and it also enhances the flavor of the ration.
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High-moisture storage
High-moisture storage is an efficient and economical way to store corn and milo for cattle rations. Not only does this increase feed value and digestibility, but it’s also economical.
Studies have demonstrated that high-moisture corn has a greater nutritional value for cattle than dry corn due to its increased palatability.
Monitoring the nutritional content of grains and supplements is essential. Some by-product feedstuffs, such as brewer’s grains or distillers’ grains, may vary greatly from farm to farm, making testing each delivery necessary.
A complete ground and mixed ration is often utilized to achieve proper nutrient balance. Unfortunately, the high moisture content of corn and milo can pose problems if not adjusted according to a specific moisture level.
Corn, with its higher moisture content, may require the addition of a protein and mineral blend to maintain nutritional balance. Generally, this amount is equivalent to adding dry matter in order to make up for any lost essential vitamins or minerals.
Improved digestibility
Ground ear corn meal can be more digestible than whole grain when properly included in a ration, as it contains more rumen-degradable protein.
Additionally, it contains more fiber than grain alone and protects the rumen from acidosis. Therefore, it makes an ideal finishing ration when combined with hay or roughage for additional nutritional value.
In a study conducted by Lane1,1 he fed cows a hay and corn ration along with an equal weight of wheat bran and corn-and-cob meal (ground ear corn) to compare their performance. He discovered that the former provided 9.3% more milk and 4.9 percent more fat than the latter.
Cook2 conducted a study that demonstrated that corn-and-cob meal produced more milk and fat for steers when compared with broken ear corn in hay and corn ration. These findings may be due to improved rumen fermentation or improved starch utilization.
Increased feed efficiency
Corn is often included in beef cattle diets, particularly those located in areas with longer growing seasons. Its high nutrient content and ease of processing make corn an ideal option for ruminant feeding.
Ground ear corn is an effective feed grain for finishing cows. A ration that contains 20 percent ground corn cobs, either with or without a commercial supplement, can help your animal make rapid gains and put on weight quickly.
In a study of 14 experiments, high-moisture ground ear corn improved gains by 3 percent and feed efficiency by 10 percent when compared to dry ground ear corn. This improvement was more consistent and greater than other studies using high-moisture harvested milo as feed for cattle.
High-moisture ear corn is an incredibly versatile feed source and should be included in any beef cattle ration. Proper kernel processing, oxygen exclusion and proper packing and storage are essential to ensuring maximum quality and minimum loss of nutrient value.
Increased milk production
When properly designed, a ground ear corn ration can provide increased milk production in cattle. This ration can be fed as an alternative to hay or added to an existing hay-based diet during the early part of lactation.
When feeding a cow’s diet, the amount of ear corn that should be added depends on her age and milk potential as well as the quality of grass or hay being used. Ear corn should always be balanced with protein for optimal nutritional benefits.
Ground corn cobs can help increase feed intake and milk yield in dairy cows without negatively impacting rumen function. To complete the ration, it should be supplemented with a fortified source of protein such as cracked soybeans or soybean meal.
When formulating a diet for your cow, the amount of ground ear corn you use depends on their age, weight and milk potential as well as the quality of grass or hay used. It is best to consult with a Cooperative Extension agent in order to create an appropriate ration tailored specifically to your herd’s needs.
