We have weathered our first shot of cold for the year and I hope everyone is holding up well. Over the last few weeks, there has been great deal of good information about feed and water needs of cows in cold weather. This week I wanted to touch on the use of corn as an energy source for cows in cold weather due to some recent inquiries from producers.
Although feeding corn in Oklahoma isn’t common, it still plays a big role in our nations beef industry. That being said, you don’t see a lot of information about feeding corn to mature beef cows. This is because most of our mature beef cows primarily graze or are fed a forage-based diet. In certain times of the year, forages become deficient in protein, but energy isn’t usually an issue. Corn, being an “energy feed” that is low in protein (84% TDN, 8-9% CP) doesn’t help our protein deficiency in a forage-based diet.
Given this, the recent cold weather has amplified the conversation about increased energy needs for cows. Because of its energy value, corn might be considered as an additional boost in cold weather, but it’s important to know how it can be specifically utilized. Corn is an entirely different feed option compared to our commercially pelleted and cubed supplements. These commercial supplements contain products such as wheat midds, distillers’ grains, and cottonseed meal and are pretty balanced in both energy (above 65% TDN) and protein (greater then 15% CP) while also being high in fiber. Comparatively, corn is a starchy feed low in protein (8-9%) and high in energy (84% TDN). Feeding too high a level of starchy grains can cause digestive upset (founder, acidosis, etc.) but it also wrecks the forage efficiency in cows on a forage-based diet. To avoid these complications, corn should be fed at low levels to cattle on forage-based diets. Producers should also make sure that protein needs are met in the forage portion of the diet (through a hay test or nutritional analysis). Limit total consumption of corn to 3-4 pounds per head when fed along with a good forage source (again, adequate in protein). Feeding this level of corn each day should have a minimal effect on forage efficiency and provide a good energy boost during cold winter weather. As always, producers should properly adapt cattle to any new feed, starting with a pound or two for a few days before increasing to the maximum level of 4 pounds a day. Corn isn’t a feed available to everyone nor is it appropriate in every situation, however it can be used strategically to keep our cows in good condition.
If you are interested in using corn for gestating or lactating cows, feel free to reach out to your local OSU Extension Educator or Specialist for insight.
