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Posted 29 August 2006. Forage and Grazinglands. SDSU Specialists: Use Caution When Grazing Corn Brookings, South Dakota (July 14, 2006) - Grazing corn is one of the forage options for producers in drought areas to consider, but it calls for careful management.
Potentially fatal nitrate toxicity is a problem to watch out for when grazing drought-stressed corn. Producers who have no other choice but to graze corn can lessen their risks with some careful management practices. Extension Agronomy Specialist Bob Hall noted that nitrate concentrations in corn plants are generally highest in the bottom one-third of the stalk. However, under drought conditions, the distribution of the nitrates within the plant may vary. Producers should collect 5 to 10 plants from each field to test for nitrates. The samples should be collected at 12 to 18 inches off the ground. If the whole plant nitrate concentrations are within acceptable ranges, producers can utilize the standing corn as forage. Producers should be cautious not to force cattle to graze the lower one-third of the plant. In the event they do the potential for nitrate toxicity will increase dramatically. SDSU Extension Beef Specialist Cody Wright advises producers to also test the protein content of the forage. In the event that the protein levels are too low, supplementation may be necessary. Wright also suggests that, even when nitrate levels are acceptable, producers should be sure to have the cattle full of low-nitrate feeds prior to releasing them on standing corn to avoid over-consumption. SDSU Extension Range Livestock Production Specialist Eric Mousel added that fencing and water are significant challenges when considering grazing of drought-stressed corn. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to erect temporary fencing. Mousel said a single strand of electric fence attached to temporary posts is generally sufficient. Water can be a more serious issue and some producers may have no other option than to haul water in order to graze corn at a distance from water supplies. Contacts: Cody Wright |
