How to Distinguish Between Cattle Corn and Regular Corn?

corn silage

Overview

Corn is one of the most dominant and productive crops in the world. It is used for both humans, animals, and the material industry. Corn is the third-largest plant-based food source in the world.  If we talk about corn, then people know about sweet corn, a very delicious variety like used in salads or cobs. However, some types of corn look the same, but there is a difference between cattle corn (dent or field) and regular (Sweet) corn. In this post, we’ll examine the difference between cattle corn and regular corn.

Regular corn is harvested fresh in its peak sweetness for human consumption however, cattle corn is left till it dries. Cattle corn is important for dairy animals and is used in the production of ethanol and other food items.

What Is Cattle Corn or Field Corn?

Cattle or Field corn is the most common category of corn in USA-99% grown us cattle corn. Cattle corn is harvested when plants are mature and dry. Farmers harvest the cattle crop when they select dried corn plants and separate the kernels.

What is Regular Corn and its uses?

Regular corn is very delicious corn that humans like it is fresh and juicy. The plant of regular corn looks like the cattle corn, but it is not as tall as cattle. The regular corn is consumed by humans. You can use frozen or canned corn. Regular corns are available in multiple varieties and used in many food items like corn chips, tortilla, and tortillas. Regular corn is for human feed. There is some confusion, but regular corn and cattle corn belong to the same species (zee mays). It differs in look, appearance, nutritional composition, and harvesting time.

Types of Corn

  • Cattle corn: It is also called dent corn or field corn. It is not directly eaten by human. Cattle corn is basically for animal feed and produces ethanol or biofuel.
  • Regular corn: It is available as a frozen vegetable or in canned form. It has sugar compared to other corn.
  • Popcorn:  It will expand when heated, ideal choice for people.
  • Flint corn: It is hard, low-moisture, and glossy. It is used in decorations.
  • Waxy corn: This type is used in industries like thickening agents and adhesives.
  • Blue corn: It is also called flint or dent corn. Let’s discuss their difference:

1. Function and Implementation

The main difference between cattle corn and regular corn lies in their purpose.
Cattle corn—often called field corn or dent corn—is grown primarily for animal feed, silage, and industrial uses. It is harvested after the kernels mature and dry, making it ideal for grinding into feed, producing ethanol, and creating corn-based industrial products.

On the other hand, Regular corn, usually called regular corn, is grown for direct human consumption. This type of corn is harvested while the kernels are still soft and filled with a sweet, milky juice. Sweet corn is the kind you find on dinner tables, in cans, or frozen for cooking.

2. Physical Structure

If you are a farmer or related to the agricultural field, then you must know the difference. Cattle corn-field corn or dent corn has different physical appearance than regular corn.

Plant Appearance

  • Height: It is thicker and sturdier than a regular plant. Height is 13 feet pr 4 meters.
  • Leaves/Stalks: This plant has a solid stem with narrow leaves and wavy edges. Its harvest starts when the colour changes to golden brown and is shown in dry form.

Kernel Appearance

  • Color: It is available in white, black, pink, blue and yellow.
  • Shape or texture: It has soft starchy. This field corn has visible dent.
  • Hardness: It is starchy and hard.

Regular corn

  • It is shiny, smaller, and tender. Its moisture gives a sweet taste. The regular corn has one colour and usually white and yellow.

3. Taste and Texture

Taste is another clear indicator. Regular corn is juicy and sweet. It is ideal for grilling, roasting, and boiling. It has high sugar content that makes it pleasant.

Cattle corn is bland and starch. Without processing, it remains hard and dry. You can’t use it directly. An Example is silage.

4. Harvesting Time

Regular corn harvest time is between 70-90 days.

Cattle corn, harvest time is 120-150 days.

5. Nutritional Composition

Cattle corn (field corn) has a high carbohydrate and starch content; however, very low sugar. Therefore, it is an excellent source for animals. It has Fiber, protein, and required minerals.

Regular corn is higher in sugar but low in starch. It has vitamin B-complex, natural sugar, and antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein. It is very good for human eyesight.

6. Field Observation

Regular corn can be grown in a small area, but field corn is planted in farms (large scale).