Take Advantage of Corn Residue

By Teri Walsh, Technical Support Specialist, Kent Nutrition Group

Beef cattle products can extend grazing season into early winter by taking advantage of crop residues, particularly corn. While harvested fields offer opportunities for beef cattle, it can also bring a few challenges. Below are four points to consider when grazing corn residue.

Amount of Available Forage:

On average, there are 16 pounds of husks and leaves left behind per bushel of corn per acre post-harvest. If the average yield of a cornfield is 150 bushels per acre, there will be about 2,400 pounds of husks and leaves per acre. A 1,400-lb. cow will consume approximately 2.5% of bodyweight per day or 35 pounds per day. These numbers might suggest that producers could graze their herd for 68 days with a cow per acre carrying capacity; however, another factor to take into consideration in the equation is the portion of forage that will be trampled on or deteriorate over time.

Supplement Protein:

Cattle will select the best parts of the corn residue to consume, including dropped ears, loose kernels, leaves, and husks. All these leftovers can provide enough energy to meet the needs of a gestating cow (yes, even the leaves and husks). The key to getting the most from the forage portion is to match the supplement to the forage. In this case, protein is the way to go. Supplementing protein provides nitrogen to the rumen microbes, which helps them better ferment poorer quality forages. Better fermentation means more nutrients are made available to the cow without providing additional forage. When the rumen microbes are more efficient, their turnover is larger, which means more microbial protein is available to the cow.

Water:

The lack of a source of water can be a limiting factor when it comes to grazing corn residue. Ensuring an adequate supply of water is crucial to maintaining intakes, regardless of the type of forage being grazed. A good rule of thumb for estimating water intake is 1-2 gallons per 100 lbs. of bodyweight per day. Water tanks should be checked twice daily, especially as the temperatures start to drop as you want to ensure they are open and floats are functioning properly.

Snow can also be a source of water for cattle, but it must be clean, soft, and powdery in order for cattle to eat it. Research from Canada has shown cattle will eat 30-40 pounds of snow per head per day to meet their water needs. Cattle will also often alternate between eating snow and drinking from a waterer.

Field Scouting and Fencing:

Prior to grazing, producers should scout the field to determine the amount of corn present in the residue. Large piles of corn should be removed or further scattered to help prevent acidosis from gorging on grain. Pre-harvest storms can contribute to an increase in ear drop. If there are more than 8-10 bushels of ear of corn per acre, consider implementing strip grazing to manage ear intake. Also, while scouting the residue, be sure to check the fences as well. Producers may even consider cross fencing to provide a more even diet through the grazing period, as well as maximizing the grazing potential of the field.

Grazing crop residue is an easy way for producers to make the most of their fall harvest while providing their herd a great forage option that would otherwise not be utilized. Providing proper protein supplementation is key to making this form of grazing a success. For recommendations on which EnergiLass^® or RangeBoss^® protein supplement best fits your cow herd, contact your local Kent Nutrition Group representative or our Inside Sales team at 866.647.1212.