When we think of harvest season on an Illinois farm, the image of a combine harvesting corn or soybeans is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In this type of harvest, the grain (corn or soybeans) is separated and pulled into the combine. The rest of the plant – the stem, cob, pod, leaves and other plant material – is thrown back to the field. But some farmers will also make something called “hacking silage.”
When chopping silage, a special machine called a chopper chops the entire corn plant into small pieces. The corn silage is then bagged or stored in a silo to feed livestock throughout the year.
For those of us who work in agriculture, we appreciate the opportunity to share our perspectives on issues we've heard about about what we do. I've heard people say it's unnatural for cows to eat corn. As someone who studies what cattle eat for a living, I'm confused. Let us talk.
THIS IS WHY CORN IS OKAY FOR YOUR LOVED ONES TO EAT:
- Cattle can easily digest corn and convert it into milk and meat.
- It is an excellent source of energy.
- Corn is tasty, also for livestock.
Do you want to know more? Read more.
Cows eat more than corn
Corn isn't the only thing livestock eats. As an animal nutritionist, I want every bite of food an animal takes to be nutritionally perfect. We analyze animal feeds (usually a mixture of grass and grains, including corn) to see what nutrients their diet contains or is deficient in. We often design a mineral mix that meets the requirements of that feed mixture to ensure that the animals receive sufficient nutrients. everything they need to grow and stay healthy. Even cattle that eat grass need a diet fortified with a vitamin and mineral supplement!
Cows are ruminants
Then consider the fact that cattle are ruminants: their digestive system is very different from ours. I like to call livestock “the original recyclers” because they have an incredibly adaptable digestive system that can convert many different feed sources into meat and milk. Livestock can eat everything from the corn kernels to the corn stalks. The adaptability of livestock's digestive systems helps farmers be more sustainable by using all parts of the plant.
Corn is full of energy
Corn is also an excellent source of energy for livestock. From a plant perspective, corn is a grass; it just happens to be a much more nutritious grass than the stuff growing in your garden. The starch and protein provided by the corn kernel helps livestock grow and thrive.
Cows love corn
Did I mention that cattle like to eat corn? My experience is that they prefer corn to grass seven days a week and twice on Sundays. Farmers do not 'force' their livestock to eat corn. It is more than likely that it takes more effort to prevent cattle from getting into the corn when that is not the intention. It's like you might have trouble keeping your kids out of the cookie jar!
I hope this reassures you. Farmers and animal nutritionists really want the best for the animals. If you have any questions about why we do what we do, please ask.
