Corn harvest is underway in our area and the residue that remains on those harvested fields has value as a low-cost feedstuff for beef cattle, especially those in early to mid-gestation. Based on the 2000 National Research Council’s (NRC) Nutrient Requirement of beef cattle, mature cattle in mid-gestation require a ration with about 7% crude protein (CP) and 50% energy as measured by total digestible nutrients (TDN). While corn stalks, husks and cobs are a low CP, low energy feedstuff, the corn leaves and any corn grain remaining can more than meet the nutritional requirements of a mid-gestation cow. Cows will graze selectively, eating dropped ears, partial ears and grain kernels first along with corn leaves followed by husks and finally cobs and stalks if necessary.
According to a publication from the University of Iowa entitled “Grazing Corn Residue” by Leu, Sellers and Loy, (
www.iowabeefcenter.org/Forages/grazingcornresidue.pdf) early in a 30 to 60 day corn residue grazing period cattle could select a ration in the 6-7% crude protein range with a TDN content of 65-70%. By the end of the grazing period the expected nutrient content is lower, a CP of 5% and a TDN level of 40-45%. As cattle are forced to consume a higher percentage of the low nutrient value corn stalks and husks, protein and energy supplementation may be necessary.