When it comes to feeding their calves corn, you might wonder if you should let them graze on whole corn cobs. The truth is that cows are ruminants, which means their stomachs are four parts, and they chew their cud to get the nutrients they need. Besides, over half of corn protein is escape protein, which is not fermented in the cow’s rumen. The rest is degraded by the small intestine, and the rumen digests the rest.
Contents
Grazing corn
Grazing corn for cows can be beneficial to your livestock, but you must be aware that the animals will waste some of the feed. Grazing efficiency can range from 60 to 90 percent, and the shorter your grazing period is, the better. Studies have found that cattle are more efficient when given a daily allowance of three to four pounds of corn. This method requires less labor and can reduce waste while increasing productivity.
The most important thing when grazing corn for cows is to consider the nutrient density of the corn crop residue. If the cattle do not receive enough protein in their diet, they may need to eat supplementary grains or leaves to ensure adequate energy levels. Additionally, winter conditions make cows more active, and they may need additional dietary sources. Trace minerals for cattle are vital for their health and productivity. Copper, zinc, manganese, and iron should be included in your cattle’s diet.
Nutritional value
The nutritional value of whole corn cobs for cow consumption varies from animal to animal, but a cow can digest them just fine. In addition to being digestible, corn is rich in starches and protein, two of the most important building blocks for a cow’s diet. Whole corn cobs are considered a valuable supplement for a cow’s diet, but should be fed in small amounts, only to young calves or adults.
The nutrition of whole corn cobs for cows varies greatly between animals, depending on the stage of pregnancy and other factors. A 100-bushel corn plant yields approximately twice as much energy and protein as a 200-bushel corn plant, making it an ideal food for pregnant cows. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, supplements are necessary, though. Nutritionists will advise if additional protein is needed for a cow’s pregnancy.
Health effects
Cattle’s digestive system is complex and a whole corn cob can be harmful to a cow’s health. Cattle have four parts in their stomachs and chew their cud. The fiber and protein in a corn cob is broken down by microbes in the cow’s rumen. These bacteria feed on this escape protein and ferment it into essential nutrients. Cattle’s stomach is not designed to digest a large amount of corn at one time, and the resulting acidic environment can cause problems with a cow’s liver.
Although corn is safe for cows to eat, it should be fed in moderation. Feeding corn to cows can cause binge eating and can be detrimental to the animal’s digestive system. Cattle’s diet should always include a balance of grass and hay forage. But, while cows can benefit from eating corn cobs, it is vital that you know what parts of a whole corn stalk are safe for your animals.
Feeding to calves
Whole corn cobs can be a great way to feed calves and pigs. This feed source is both affordable and easily accessible. And it can provide phenomenal gains. Nonetheless, if fed excessively, the whole corn can lead to bloat, founder, and death. So it’s important to feed corn to calves in small amounts and monitor their intake closely. Here are some tips to safely feed whole corn cobs to calves.
Consider feeding 0.25% of the cow’s body weight per day. This is equivalent to about three pounds per 1,000-lb. Besides boosting the calves’ calorie intake, this feed source is also beneficial for the environment. Cattle that eat more corn have higher calorie needs, and this extra calories helps them grow faster. Faster growth means faster sale and higher payments. As a bonus, corn can also help the environment.
