Types of Corn Processing for Beef Cattle

With a high level of energy, corn is a common ingredient in beef cattle rations. Corn has a higher energy content than other cereal grains, but less protein. It is high in phosphorus, but low in calcium. Dent corn is used frequently for beef cattle feed. The ears of corn or the entire plant are used to provide nutrition for beef cattle.

  1. Corn Silage

    • The corn plant, including the ears, is chopped for silage. The material is packed into a tight container such as a silo, silage bag or bunker. Partial fermentation preserves the chopped corn plants for use by beef cattle.

    Dry Corn

    • Ears of corn are harvested when the moisture content is about 15 percent. Whole ears or the shelled corn is used in beef cattle rations.

    Dry Corn Processing

    • To improve the digestibility of whole corn kernels, the kernels undergo further processing. Corn kernels are run between a set of closely-spaced smooth rollers. This produces rolled or flaked corn. The kernels may also be steam-rolled.

    Finely Ground Corn

    • Corn kernels are cracked or ground for beef cattle feed. Finely ground corn is not recommended for beef cattle. The feed ferments quickly in the rumen, the largest of the four stomach compartments. Feeding finely ground corn can lead to digestive disturbances.

    High Moisture Corn

    • High moisture corn is harvested when the ear moisture content is 22 to 28 percent. The corn is ground or rolled prior to storage in a bunker, silage bags, or silo.

    Corn Gluten Feed

    • Corn gluten feed is a co-product of the wet-corn milling industry. This industry manufactures corn syrup, oil, starch and sweeteners. The remaining corn material is sold in a dry or wet form for cattle feed and has an energy level similar to whole corn kernels.

    Corn Distillers' Dried Grains

    • Corn distillers' dried grains are the dried residues of corn processed into ethanol. It is a high-energy feed for beef cattle.

    Corn Screenings

    • During whole corn processing, small and cracked kernels, foreign material, dirt and plant parts are separated from the kernels. This separated material is used as a lower-quality feed for beef cattle.