How much corn grain is needed in the dairy ration?
The key guideline is the needed level of fermentable carbohydrate (starch, sugar, and soluble fiber) in the total ration dry matter to optimize rumen microbial growth and provide a glucose source in the small intestine. Current recommendations are 18 to 26 percent total starch (including cereal grains and corn silage), 4 to 6 percent sugar, and 10 to 12 percent soluble fiber. High quality forage and use of by-product feeds can reduce the level of starch needed, but monitor cow performance carefully. How can I increase starch availability? Starch availability from corn silage will increase the longer it is stored. In March, corn silage starch will be more available than in December due to “cooking” rendering it more soluble in the silage juices. Kernel processing of corn silage will make the grain more digestible, especially if the corn silage was harvested over 35 percent dry matter. Corn grain can be made more available if dry corn is ground to 1100 micron size, corn is roasted or ste
