March 5, 2015

Relook corn particle size to improve cattle feed efficiency: study

According to a study by Kansas State University, corn particle size can affect digestibility and how efficiently cattle use the grain for energy and growth - meaning cattle producers may need to reconsider how they are preparing their rations.

"There is a strong relationship between smaller particle size and increased digestibility of the starch (from grain)," says Chris Reinhardt, feedlot specialist for K-State Research and Extension. "Regardless of what kind of grain, we feed it for the starch component. The more starch we can get digested, whether that be in the rumen or downstream from the rumen, improves the return on the investment in that grain."

Reinhardt sought to find the average corn particle size Midwest feedlots use in finishing cattle diets. The idea was to learn common practices in feedlots that do not use steam-flaked corn, but instead use a form of dry processing for corn, such as dry rolling or hammer milling.