Overview
The best corn for cows depends on diet and processing method, which is easy to digest, steam flaked corn with full of energy. Green chopped or freshly harvested corn is used for dairy cows and is good for improving nutrient absorption. Corn is the best and important feed cop for cattle in the world. Its energy power, health benefits, and versatility make it the first choice for beef and dairy farmers. Every corn variety has different purposes and uses. Not all are the same. It depends on requirements like beef fattening, silage preparation, and dairy production.
Cows also need a healthy and balanced diet, just like human beings. If cows eat unhealthy food, they can kill animals, and animals can become weak due to acidosis. Cattle need a balanced diet like corn, grains, and supplements. Corn is suitable for both non-ruminant & ruminant animals. It is known for high energy, and farmers can feed cows in a crimped or whole form.
In this post, we’ve mentioned feed for cows and discussed the types and factors of cows for animals.
Nutritional Composition, Protein levels, and Acid of Corn
When corn is mature then it is rich in starch (2081 kcal/pound). It is low in protein but a perfect choice if you need it as a supplement. You must not use it as a diet less than 0.4%. There are many methods to give corn to cows, like in form of grains. In the early growth phase, you can harvest cattle for silage.
Nutrient |
Average Content |
Properties |
| Dry Matter (DM) | 86–90% | Indicates the solid portion of the feed after water removal. Essential for accurate ration formulation. |
| Crude Protein (CP) | 7–9% | Provides amino acids for body maintenance and milk synthesis. However, corn is relatively low in protein compared to other feeds. |
| Crude Fat (Ether Extract) | 3–4.5% | Supplies concentrated energy, improves palatability, and supports milk fat content. |
| Starch | 65–72% | Primary energy source for cows. Fermented in the rumen to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) used for milk production. |
| Fiber (Neutral Detergent Fiber – NDF) | 8–12% (grain); 40–50% (silage) | Important for rumen health and digestion. Fiber content varies depending on the corn form (grain vs. silage). |
| Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) | 3–5% (grain); 25–35% (silage) | Represents the less digestible fiber portion. |
| Ash (Minerals) | 1–2% | Includes calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium — vital for metabolism and milk production. |
Energy Variables
Energy Variables |
Average Value |
| Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) | 88–90% (grain), 65–70% (silage) |
| Net Energy for Lactation (NEL) | 2.0–2.1 Mcal/kg (grain), 1.5–1.6 Mcal/kg (silage) |
| Metabolizable Energy (ME) | 3.3–3.5 Mcal/kg |
Amino Acid
Amino Acid |
Approximate Content (% of protein) |
| Lysine | 2.6–3.0% |
| Methionine | 1.7–2.0% |
| Cysteine | 1.8–2.2% |
| Threonine | 3.5–4.0% |
Minerals and Vitamins
Mineral |
Approximate Content (per kg DM) |
Remarks |
| Calcium (Ca) | 0.02–0.03% | Very low – requires supplementation |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.25–0.30% | Adequate for most rations |
| Potassium (K) | 0.35–0.40% | Supports muscle and nerve function |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.10–0.12% | Important for enzyme activity |
Role of Corn in Cattle Feed
Cows require a balanced diet as a major source of energy. Corn is rich in carbohydrates, starch that helps animal in weight gain, animal health, and milk production. A balanced diet includes carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and Fiber. Corn provides the energy portion of that diet efficiently and economically. You can choose corn type according to its processing- high-moisture, cracked corn, and silage.
Types of Corn Used for Feeding Cows
There are several types of corn grown for different agricultural purposes. The following varieties are most used for cattle feed:
- Field Corn (Dent Corn)
- Sweet Corn (Human Consumption Corn)
- High-Moisture Corn
- Silage Corn
- Brown Midrib (BMR) Corn
Why Field Corn Is the Best Choice for Cows
The first choice for cows is field corn due to its affordability, high-energy content, and palatability. It is required by humans.
Important Factors
- High Energy Density: It is high in carbohydrates and important in case of weight gain and high milk production in cows.
- Affordability and Availability: It is a cost-effective solution and suitable for small-scale farmers. The most viable crop is corn, and available in all major areas of Pakistan. It has a strong shelf life and ensures for essential nutrients.
- Palatability, Efficiency and Versatile Use: Cows love to eat it, Cattle readily eat field corn due to its desirable taste, which encourages consistent feed intake and helps ensure adequate nutrition.
Muhammad Arif CEO, MBA in Finance and Marketing from South Korea University. Result-driven Chief Executive Officer with over 15 years experience leading and increasing growth in businesses. Starting from the scratch, launching and leading increasing in revenue in the three businesses in animal feed and food exports, and renewable energy in Pakistan. Particularly, having plentiful experience on East Asia and Middle East markets, and working with multinational organizations including the UN.