If you are thinking of buying beef from a local farmer, you may be wondering about the effects of corn feed for cattle. Cows naturally don’t consume large amounts of corn. This means that animals raised on corn are more likely to develop health problems such as bloat, potentially fatal amounts of excess gas, and liver abscesses. While cows that eat more grass are less likely to suffer from these issues, they are more likely to get infected with E. coli bacteria that is dangerous for humans who consume meat.
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Processed corn
While processed corn feed for cattle does not necessarily increase average daily gain (ADG), it does improve the feed efficiency of cattle. Cattle fed processed corn had similar energy intakes and ADG as cattle fed WSC. The difference in feed intakes may be due to excessive rumen acid production or subclinical acidosis. The overall effect of corn processing on cattle performance should be studied further. This article summarizes the pros and cons of processed corn feed for cows.
The major type of corn used in cattle feeding is dent corn. It is yellowish in color, floury on the inside and hard on the outside. The endosperm, or soft, white kernels, contain the majority of the starch and protein. The granules of starch form a protective matrix on the outer shell. Corn feed for cows contains less starch than whole grain.
Distillers’ grains
There are many benefits to feeding distillers’ grains to cows. It can be a low-cost source of protein, and can boost calf growth and marketing weight gain. Distillers’ grains can be purchased in three different forms – dry, modified, and wet. Each type of grain is available in a different moisture content, which may affect animal performance. For more information, watch the webinar “Feeding Distillers Grains to Cows and Calves” and read beef reports.
While many producers are unsure if they should use distillers’ grains in their herds, they do have nutritional benefits. They are high-protein and can compete with soybean meal for protein. These grains can also replace soybean meal. For beef cattle, high-fiber distillers’ grains provide additional nutritional benefits. Among them are increased milk yield and protein concentrations. Distillers’ grains can be fed at 20% DM.
Corn gluten
The first time Greig tried corn gluten for cattle was during his 1990s hay and grain experiment, but he didn’t see the results he expected. Today, Greig supplements his feeds with corn gluten to improve their health and productivity. He says that the addition of fiber and protein to hay and grain supplements reduces acidosis, sickness, and stress, and maximizes the use of low-quality feedstuffs. While wet gluten has to be fed to older cows quickly, it can be stored safely for 21 days. During the winter, it can be stored for as long as 21 days.
The production of corn gluten feed is a good alternative to conventional hay and grain in North Carolina. However, its relative value depends on distance from a corn processing plant. Hence, it is better to choose a local corn mill rather than rely on imported feed. A feed mill will use coproducts of corn, such as cornstarch, to make a protein mix. However, these coproducts can also be high in sulfur. Nutritionists monitor the level of phosphorus and sulfur.
Acidosis caused by corn feed for cows
Unadapted cattle are prone to acidosis when fed a diet of corn. These cattle may display lameness, decreased daily gains, and efficiency. In severe cases, acidosis may result in liver abscesses. The root cause of acidosis is inadequate fibre in the diet. It is not clear how much fibre is needed to prevent the development of acidosis in unadapted cattle.
The rumen wall becomes more permeable with increased levels of acid, causing the pH of the rumen to drop. The increased acid produced by acid-producing bacteria in the rumen can cause metabolic acidosis, which can be fatal. High grain rations are a primary cause of acidosis, but the rumen wall can also be damaged by increased concentrates.
Cost of grazing corn for cows
Grazing cornstalks is an easy way to provide supplemental nutrition to cattle for very little money. Most farmers already have some form of makeshift fence. But grazing cornstalks can provide a valuable alternative to expensive hay. The cost of grazing cornstalks varies depending on the amount of cornstalks available. Generally, 12% of the field residue is made up of cornstalks. The leaves are more digestible than the stalks, and if cows are forced to eat the stalks, they will lose weight and body condition.
Grazing corn can provide excellent weight gain for beef heifers and stocker cattle. It has also been used successfully by dairy farmers for breeding purposes. Besides cows, sheep, goats, and swine have also been successfully grazed on corn. The cost of grazing corn for cows depends on the quality of the residue. Generally, the quality of a grazed corn crop residue can range from 70% TDN to 45% TDN. The rate of quality decline will depend on the stocking rate and environmental factors. In the early part of the grazing period, cows can graze corn residue fields. Later on, the cows cannot graze on corn residue fields due to ice.
