Corn stover Problems Problems Consumption Consumption –Grazing –Processing will increase consumption by about 10% (e.g. tub grinding) –Moisture level Dry stover (e.g. stacks + bales) ~ 75-80% Dry stover (e.g. stacks + bales) ~ 75-80% Corn stover silage – must be about 50% moisture to ferment Corn stover silage – must be about 50% moisture to ferment *Shortages of protein *not as palatable 1 acre of corn stover = 3 tons (6000 lbs) of stover 1 round bale of corn stover = 1500 lbs 4 bales /acre on average You can maintain one cow per acre for 60 days Stalk is going to be 2x moisture than the grains

Composition of the Corn Plant Leaf Stalk Husk Cob Grain Leaf Stalk Husk Cob Grain % Dry matter % of Total Plant % Crude Protein Digestibility %

Corn stover Influence of harvesting data and grain yield on stover quality Influence of harvesting data and grain yield on stover quality Harvest Date Harvest Date 145 bu. corn Nonstructural CHO (% of DM) In vitro digestibility (% of DM) bu. corn Nonstructural CHO (% of DM) In vitro digestibility (% of DM)

Corn stover Wastage Wastage Conservation Conservation Protein supplementation Protein supplementation –Natural sources –NPN sources Urea Urea Biuret Biuret –Starea

Corn stover Protein supplements: Protein supplements: –30% liquid –40% protein blocks –30% sweet range cubes –20% range cubes –50% dry

Free Choice – Mineral Mixes Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb. Dicalcium phosphate Trace mineral salt Vitamin A (2 mil I.U./lb)---40 Iodized salt Total lbs % Phosphorus % Calcium Consumption 0.1 lb/hd/day provides: Grams Grams Phosphorus41 Calcium 62.5