Corn stalks

[CM Livestock]

How many cows can you run on a stalk field and for how long will be feeding liquid protein as well?  I am only asking your oppinions it will be very helpful  the stalks are under a pivot and are in wesern NE thanks for the help

 

[aj]

Good question. I think it depends on how many ears of corn are on the ground and the weather. The best way to check for much corn the cow are getting is to check the manure. The whole corn is easily seen this way. When whole corn isn't seen in manure protein intake usually increases. Between the manure check and the protein uptake increase this is usually the best indicator. It also depends on if the field is irrigated or dryland.jmo

 

[farwest]

1 acre per head per month in west nebraska will keep em satisfied with a little protein if the farmer will let you graze that much.

 

[JWW]

i found the equation that i was taught a bit of time ago, taken from Dr. Rick Rasby at UNL-

this is based of a field that has been picked with normal ear drop, and decent weather; all numbers are in DM basis
- approximately 16lbs of dry leaf and husk per bushel of corn/acre
- assume that 50% of it is available to graze ( due to trampleing and loss)
-so .... example: 150 bu/acre corn X 16 lb = 2400 / 2= 1200 #DM/acre
- if a 1200 pound cow will eat 2.0-2.5% of her body weight on a DM basis, she will eat approximately 27 pounds of dm
-1200 #DM / 27# =  44-45 days

if you want infomration i suggest looking at : www.beef.unl.edu
hope this helps
JWW

 

[aj]

One thing I've been hearing in flyover country out here is that the bt corn(corn stalks) aren't liked by the cows as much as non bt corn. Really interesting....course shucks wouldn't be any different maybe.....and I doubt dropped ears would be ignored. Possibly the stalk makeup is tougher and less palitable or something.

 

[Freddy]

In central Ne. we are worried about mold an toxins in the stalks an could cause abortions ...University or county agent might know more about it''''''.............

 

[aj]

Ouch....wonder if there is a test for that stuff?

 

[CM Livestock]

is there any truth to the mold causeing abortions sure dont want that

 

[CM Livestock]

I talked to my vet today about it he said he hasnt heard of any in our western cherry county Ne but it is true and you can test for it Mostly back in iowa and east is what he thought were they had an abundance of rain is also a problem

 

[SHAGGY]

Not from around that area but i would think about putting some kind of protein/supplement tub out. Couple years back we had to feed baled corn stocks/stuble due to the lack of hay and the supplement protein tubs seemed to help.

 

[CM Livestock]

i feed and sell mix30 an all natural protein and fat liquid feed all winter and through AI