Department of Animal Science
Date of this Version
2006
Citation
The Professional Animal Scientist 22 (2006):23–32
Abstract
Three corn processing methods were compared for use in 5,000- and 20,000-head capacity feedlots. Processing methods were dry-rolled (DRC), early harvest and ensiling high-moisture (HMC), and steam-flaked corn (SFC). Processing costs were determined to be $1.58, $4.71, and $9.57/t (metric ton; DM basis) for DRC, HMC, and SFC, respectively, for the 5,000-capacity feedlot. Processing costs were less for the 20,000-capacity feedlot at $0.81, $3.07, and $6.23/t (DM basis) for DRC, HMC, and SFC, respectively. Using these economic calculations in an 85% corn diet (DM basis), an improvement of dietary feed efficiency would need to be 2.4 and 6.1% for feeding HMC or SFC, respectively, compared with feeding DRC in a 5,000-capacity feedlot to be of economical value. For the 20,000-capacity feedlot, an improvement of dietary feed efficiency would need to be 1.7 and 4.2% for feeding HMC or SFC, respectively, compared with feeding DRC. Variables such as corn price, feed efficiency response, energy cost, and feedlot size determine eco- 1A contribution of the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research Division, Lincoln 68583. Journal Series No. 14358. This research was supported in part by funds provided through the Hatch Act. 2Present address: 2603 Riverview Drive, Grand Island, NE 68801. 3To whom correspondence should be addressed: gerickson4@unl.edu nomic returns for corn processing. Feeding SFC appears to generate economic return in both sizes of feedlots compared with feeding HMC or DRC. Calculated economic returns involving HMC were more variable than the economic returns generated from DRC data.