By Scout Nelson
Drought and high hay prices have led many cattle producers to consider baled corn residue as an alternative winter feed source. While it can help extend forage supplies, its feeding value differs significantly from grazed corn residue and depends on harvest methods and feeding management.
The recommendations come from Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist, through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Extension.
Corn residue includes stalks, leaves, husks, and cobs, which vary widely in nutritional value. Husk and leaves are the most digestible parts, while stalks and cobs provide lower feeding value. Grazing cows can selectively consume the higher-quality portions, resulting in a more nutritious diet than harvested residue typically provides.
When residue is baled, more low-quality stalk material is incorporated into the feed. Although cows can sort through whole bales, this often increases feed waste. Grinding residue removes the animals' ability to select preferred plant parts, causing them to consume all harvested material.
Harvest methods strongly influence feed quality. Traditional raking and baling collect greater amounts of stalks, while the EZBale system captures more digestible plant material and less stalk, resulting in higher feed quality.
Nebraska Extension research found that EZBale residue provided higher digestibility than conventionally baled residue. In addition, the EZBale method leaves more residue in the field, which can help maintain soil cover and reduce erosion risks.
Harvest timing also matters. Delaying harvest can result in the loss of husks due to wind, reducing both the quality and quantity of residue available for feed.
Untreated corn residue generally cannot meet the energy and protein requirements of pregnant beef cows on its own. Producers typically need to provide supplemental protein and energy, particularly when feeding conventionally harvested residue.
Ammoniation, a treatment using anhydrous ammonia, can significantly improve feed quality by increasing both crude protein content and digestibility. Research showed that ammoniation nearly doubled crude protein levels and improved overall feeding value.
The best results were achieved when ammoniation was combined with the EZBale harvest method. This combination provided sufficient nutrients to meet the needs of mature cows during mid-gestation, while conventionally harvested residue still required additional energy supplementation.
Producers should also watch for nitrate accumulation in drought-stressed corn residue, especially when feed is ground and mixed into rations. Testing residue before feeding can help avoid potential livestock health risks.
Another concern is the introduction of weed seeds through purchased residue bales. Feeding imported bales in designated areas can make it easier to monitor and control any new weeds that may emerge.
Overall, grazing standing corn residue remains the most effective option because cattle can select the highest-quality plant parts. When baling is necessary, harvesting methods that reduce stalk content and using ammoniation can significantly improve feed value and help producers manage forage shortages more effectively.
FAQ:
1. Can baled corn residue replace hay in a beef cow diet?
No, baled corn residue typically requires additional protein and energy supplementation to meet cattle nutritional needs.
2. Why is grazed corn residue more valuable than baled residue?
Grazing allows cows to select highly digestible husks and leaves while avoiding lower-quality stalks and cobs.
3. What is the advantage of the EZBale harvesting method?
The EZBale method captures more digestible plant material and less stalk, resulting in better feed quality.
4. How does ammoniation improve corn residue?
Ammoniation increases crude protein levels and digestibility, making corn residue a more nutritious feed source.
5. Should drought-stressed corn residue be tested before feeding?
Yes, nitrate testing helps identify potential livestock health risks, especially when residue is ground into rations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Livestock