Fresh Chop Corn: A Vital Feed Strategy for Dairy Cows

In recent months, the demand for milk has skyrocketed! Thanks to price hikes in the U.S. and Canada's milk board adding extra quota days, producers are ramping up their herds to meet these needs. But with bad weather delaying planting, many farmers are turning to fresh green chop corn to support their forage supplies. Let's dive into how you can make the best of this feeding strategy without compromising your herd's health or milk production.

Why fresh green chop corn?

Green chop corn is essentially fresh corn harvested and fed directly to cows, skipping the usual ensiling process. Farmers are utilizing it to manage their increased livestock numbers while keeping feed costs in check.

Key insights for fresh chop corn integration

1. Understand the chemistry

• Fresh corn has higher moisture (70-80%) and sugar levels (3-5%) but lower soluble protein and digestible starch compared to fermented corn silage. These differences can impact milk production, animal health, and reproductive performance if not managed correctly.

2. Prevent digestive disorders

• Overfeeding fresh chop corn can cause rumen upsets due to its high sugar content, leading to acidosis. Symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy may appear if intake exceeds 20 kg as-fed.

3. Tackle nutrient imbalances

• Fresh chop corn's lower digestible starch translates to less energy available for cows. Enhance rations with rumen bypass fats to boost energy.
• The scarcity of soluble protein affects essential amino acids. Fortify diets with rumen-protected lysine and methionine to ensure your cows' nutritional balance.

Additional tips for success

• Monitor manure consistency: Keep a strict eye on this simple indicator to catch rumen upsets early.
• Boost B vitamins: Supplement with rumen-protected B vitamins to avoid deficiencies, especially riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B12.
• Control nitrates: Adjust chopper height to 8 inches and limit the time fresh chop corn stays in the bunk to minimize nitrate levels.

By being attentive to these guidelines, fresh green chop corn can be a valuable addition to your dairy cow rations, helping maintain good health and production during challenging seasons.