Ground ear corn is an energy-rich feed made by grinding whole ears of corn, kernels and cob together. It is used mainly for finishing and growing cattle, and it works best as part of a balanced ration alongside forage, protein and minerals. Introduce it slowly because, like any corn, it can cause acidosis if cattle eat too much too fast.
What is ground ear corn?
Also called corn and cob meal, ground ear corn includes the whole ear. The kernels supply starch and energy, while the cob adds some fiber. It can be fed dry or stored as high-moisture ear corn, which is harvested earlier and kept in a sealed silo or bag so it ferments, like silage.
Benefits
- High energy: The starch in the kernels supports weight gain in growing and finishing cattle.
- Some fiber from the cob: A little extra fiber helps buffer the rumen compared with feeding shelled corn alone, although it is not a substitute for hay or silage.
- Cost and convenience: Ear corn can be an economical way to use a home-grown crop with less processing.
Risks and limits
- Acidosis and bloat: Rapid fermentation of starch can drop rumen pH and make cattle go off feed, or even die. Always step up gradually over two to three weeks.
- Mold and mycotoxins: Damp, moldy ear corn can carry toxins that make cattle sick. Discard moldy feed.
- Particle size: Grinding too fine increases the risk of acidosis. Aim for a coarse grind, and ask a nutritionist for guidance.
- Not a complete feed: Corn is low in protein, calcium and several minerals. Balance it with a protein source and a mineral mix.
How to feed it
- Begin with a small amount, a pound or two per head per day for adult cattle, and raise it slowly while watching manure and appetite.
- Provide good-quality hay or other forage at all times.
- Add a balanced protein supplement and free-choice minerals as needed. See choosing the best feed to put weight on cows.
- Store dry ear corn in a dry place, and keep high-moisture ear corn sealed.
- Ask your vet or extension nutritionist to balance the full ration for your herd and goals.
For related reading, see feeding green corn stalks to cattle and how much corn silage to feed a dairy cow.
Bottom Line
Ground ear corn is a useful energy feed for finishing cattle when it is introduced gradually, fed with forage and balanced for protein and minerals. Watch for acidosis and mold, and get help from a vet or nutritionist if cattle go off feed.
This article is general information and not veterinary advice.
