Forage and Crop Management

Posted in: Forage and Crop Management
FINE GROUND CORN
By Rob Bailey, President
Feb 22, 2009 - 8:33:19 PM

Rob Bailey, President

In the past year we ran into several cases where the cows did not seem to be performing as well as expected. After running new samples and evaluating the ration, it looked like the cows should be doing better than their actual production.

A telltale sign in these herds was the appearance of corn in the manure, either whole kernels or pieces. This would indicate that the kernels were too hard (dry) or too coarse to be digested properly in the rumen.

A partial solution is to add either corn starch or finely ground dry shelled corn to the diet. It was evident in these cases that the rumen was not receiving adequate energy in the form of readily fermentable carbohydrates to promote optimal bacterial growth and enhance fiber digestion, even though the ration printout showed sufficient levels of corn and Non-Fiber Carbohydrate (NFC).

When we looked at the physical form of the corn in these diets, common denominators were that the corn was too dry (less than 25% moisture), not rolled very fine, or both. For some producers, it was simply a matter of tightening the rollers down on the roller mill to produce the desired fineness. In others it involved replacing worn out equipment or installing new mills. This involved added investment, but when compared to the increase in milk, the equipment pays for itself in two to six months! In every case where these adjustments were made, we saw an improvement in milk production, and a reduction of visible grain in the manure.

These experiences lead us to recommend that all high moisture corn be rolled or ground finely before being fed in TMR's, especially if the moisture is less than 25%. Some producers may be concerned that the finely ground or rolled corn could cause rumen upset. This may be true in situations where most or all of the corn is being individually fed (slug feeding) less than 3-4 times a day, or where rations are being run at low fiber levels (ADF less that 19.5%). In TMR's, this finely ground or rolled corn will not be a problem if the ration is balanced properly, and the particle length of the forage is adequate.

Be sure to check your roller mill regularly to be sure it is doing a good job of breaking up the kernels, and make adjustments and repairs as needed. Because you are looking at this corn every day, ask your consultant to give you their opinion, and possibly get samples to look at from other customers. Getting your high moisture corn put up at 25-28% moisture also helps, especially in topdress situations where finely ground corn could lead to lower butterfat and rumen compaction.