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Corn residue stocking rate affects cattle performance but not subsequent grain yield.

L A Stalker, H Blanco-Canqui, J A Gigax

Journal of Animal Science

|November 3, 2015

Summary

Grazing cattle on corn residue at the correct stocking rate improves animal performance without harming future grain yields. This study found optimal grazing management is key for sustainable livestock production.

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Area of Science:

Agricultural Science
Animal Science
Agronomy

Background:

Corn residue is a valuable forage resource for cattle during winter months.
Understanding the impact of residue removal methods on forage quality and subsequent crop yield is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of different stocking rates (2.5 and 5.0 animal unit months per hectare) and baling on cattle performance and corn residue quality.
To evaluate the impact of these residue removal treatments on subsequent corn grain yield over a five-year period.

Main Methods:

Four residue removal treatments were applied to a 53-hectare center pivot-irrigated corn field: no removal, grazing at 2.5 AUM/ha, grazing at 5.0 AUM/ha, and baling.
Residue samples were collected before and after removal to analyze nutrient content (crude protein, in vitro organic matter disappearance) of different plant parts.
Esophageally fistulated cattle were used to assess diet quality, and subsequent grain yields were measured for each treatment.

Main Results:

Cattle at the 2.5 AUM/ha stocking rate showed significantly greater body weight and body condition score gains compared to those at 5.0 AUM/ha.
While residue quantity decreased with grazing and baling, subsequent grain yields were not significantly affected by any of the residue removal treatments.
Diet in vitro OM disappearance was higher after grazing in the 2.5 AUM/ha treatment, indicating better forage quality at the lower stocking rate.

Conclusions:

Corn residue grazing, when managed at an appropriate stocking rate, provides acceptable animal performance.
This practice does not negatively impact the subsequent corn grain production, supporting its use in integrated crop-livestock systems.