Creating Healthy Feed For Livestock from Corn

Livestock is one of the corn grower’s most important customers, consuming more than 41%of all U.S. corn. About 13%of the Nebraska’s corn crop is fed to livestock within Nebraska, with the bulk of that (more than 70%) going to beef cattle. In total, though, about 40%of the corn grown in Nebraska is fed to livestock somewhere in the United States or around the world.

In Nebraska, livestock production is the engine that powers the state’s economy. It is a more than $7.5 billion industry that is fundamental to the well-being of the state, and contributes to the financial health of every Nebraskan. And it wouldn’t be possible without the corn grown by our local farmers.

Another major user of corn is ethanol – but one-third of every bushel used in ethanol production comes back as distillers grains, an outstanding feed ingredient. Nebraska ethanol plants only use the starch portion of the kernel, returning the other components to the livestock industries as a high protein feed ingredient.

Learn more about the different types of cattle feed created during ethanol production and corn farming processes.

What is distillers grain? Distillers grain is an ethanol co-product containing leftover solubles and starches. This co-product provides a great source of protein, fiber and fat in livestock feed. There are three different types of distillers grains:

• Wet distillers grain—Wet distillers grains are fresh, moist and have a soft, mash-like texture. Since they contain a high amount of moisture (up to about 70%), they have a shorter shelf life and are typically utilized within a close radius to an ethanol plant. They are commonly fed to cattle in a feedlot as a cost-effective, nutritious feed ingredient and are best used shortly after production or stored properly to maintain freshness.
• Modified distillers grain—Modified distillers grains have some moisture removed, giving them a thicker, crumbly texture that is easier to handle than wet distillers. With moderate moisture levels (typically 45–55%), they last longer and can be transported farther while still delivering high levels of protein and energy. They are widely used in livestock rations and offer flexibility for producers who need a balance between freshness and storage.
• Dried distillers’ grain—Dried distillers grains are fully dried and have a dry, granular or sand-like appearance. With low moisture content (about 12%), they can be stored for long periods and shipped over long distances. They are commonly used in cattle, poultry and other livestock diets and are best suited for operations that value ease of storage, transport and consistent feed availability.

Corn gluten feed is a co-product of the corn dry milling and ethanol production processes. It’s made up primarily of protein and carbohydrates, which makes a great feed supplement for cattle. It has several benefits, including being low in phosphorus content which contributes to better growth, as well as providing essential amino acids for proper nutrition.

What is in silage? Silage is made from grass, grains and other plant material that’s fermented and stored as part of livestock feed. It’s a rich source of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins for dairy and beef cattle.

Cattle and other livestock have been eating corn for centuries. Not only does corn cattle feed provide a good balance of proteins and carbohydrates, but its high levels of essential fatty acids make it a great choice for maintaining livestock health.

Corn is also one of the most common and easily obtainable food sources in Nebraska for livestock, making it an ideal choice for farmers looking to feed their herds in an efficient and cost-effective way. Learn more about why cows eat corn!

The corn grown for livestock feed is not the same type of corn you buy in the grocery store. Field corn, sometimes called “cow corn” or dent corn, is the primary type used in corn livestock feed. Discover the differences between corn for cattle and the corn we eat.

Nebraska has more than 5,000 feed yards willing to work with cow-calf producers interested in retaining ownership or partnering on their feeder cattle. They offer competitive feeding rations from the quality feedstuffs available in the state.

Included here are Nebraska traders and merchandisers who handle the corn co-products distillers grains and corn gluten feed. Please contact the merchandisers directly for pricing and specs.