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Dehydrated Corn Plant Pellets for Growing Calves¹

University of Nebraska North Platte Station, North Platte 69101

Abstract

Two growth trials and a digestion trial were conducted to determine the feed value of dehydrated corn plant pellets (DCPP). Properly supplemented DCPP produced gains in growing calves that were not different than those produced with corn silage. However, since the starting material was finely ground before pelleting, DCPP may have passed through the animals' digestive tracts more rapidly than corn silage, resulting in higher dry matter intake (P>.05), lower digestibility (P<.05) and poorer efficiency of gain (P>.05). Coarser grinding of the corn plant prior to pelleting might result in a slower rate of passage of the DCPP and hence, greater utilization of it by the animal.

The feasibility of using DCPP will depend upon the cost of processing in relation to the price of silage and the dry matter losses which occur in the silo.

Regardless of the cost, DCPP may play an important role as a starting ration for feedlot cattle or as an emergency feed on pastures during periods of inclement weather.

¹ Published as Paper No. 3606 Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.