Alternatives for using High Moisture Corn By Dairymen

Abstract

There are many alternative ways of handling and storing high moisture corn. In regard to the storing and use of high moisture corn by dairymen the following conclusions may be drawn from this report: 1.With good yields high moisture corn can be profitably used on dairy farms. 2. With new storage and limited acreage high moisture ear corn stored in concrete storage is likely to be somewhat more profitable than high moisture ear corn or shelled corn in sealed storage. 3. When corn grain can be grown profitably high moisture corn is likely to have a higher feed value per dollar of cost than commercial dairy rations. Further considerations are: 1.The profitable use of high moisture corn involves a new management skill - the ability of a dairyman to understand and supply the cow's nutritional needs. 2. A shift from a balanced commercial dairy ration to the use of high moisture corn plus protein supplements will make it necessary for the dairyman to be aware of the nutrients available to the cow from each feed. 3. When high moisture corn is fed in a feed bunk and cows are not grouped according to production overfeeding and underfeeding can become serious problems. Unless special attention is given to the feeding of high moisture corn any potential economic benefit may be quickly lost.