Steam-Flaking May Reduce Nitrogen Secretion Steve K. Tallam and Dr. Zhiguo Wu Department of Dairy and Animal Science Starch degradability in the rumen varies with grain source and processing methods. Extensive processing of grain increases the rate of starch digestion in the rumen because of increased expo sure of the kernel to microorganisms. Research has shown that steam flaking of corn increased starch digestibility in the rumen from 35 to 52 percent compared to dry rolling. Total tract digestibility of starch was also increased from 73 to 97 percent. Consequently, net energy for lactation of corn was increased by 20 percent. When steam flaked corn was fed, milk production and protein yield were increased by 5 to 8 percent, respectively, compared to dry rolled or steam-rolled corn. These increases were not associated with any significant changes in milk fat yield. Steam flaking of grains has been shown to in crease microbial protein production in the rumen. This could translate into lower protein requirements from the diet and less nitrogen excretion. Recent studies at Virginia Tech showed that nitrogen ex cretion in the feces was reduced when a steam- Equipment Tie Stalls (all kinds) Free Stalls (all kinds) Lever Rows Gates (custom made) Paneling and Pens Gutter Grates Clamps - Many Styles & Sizes Water Bowls Mats for Cows and Horses Tile Anything custom made to fit your barn Other Equi] Lancaster Level-Flo >ment Distributor and Pipe Weaverlme Feed Cart Energy-Free and Electric Drinkers Feeders and Conveyors Barn Cleaners Silo Unloaders - 3 Brands Pequea Trailers ~ |i Show-East Sta# €o. 579 whom Bond. UinoMMn INtlTiOt Penn State v r' * 'S*T3» tent For r Rent E-Z Hutches & Mini Barns 1500 to 10,000 Gal Liquid Manure Spreaders & Vacuum Tanks Pit & Lagoon Pumps • 6'-52’ Forage Wagons Forage Blowers Ear Corn Mill w/Blower Post Hole Digger & Driver flaked corn diet was fed compared to a dry ground corn diet. Decreased nitrogen excretion or increased effi ciency of nitrogen utilization may have a positive effect on reproductive performance. Increased deg radation of starch in the rumen reduces ammonia absorption due to greater utilization for microbial protein synthesis. Feeding steam-flaked corn in creased recycling of blood urea nitrogen to the gut by 80 percent compared to dry rolling or steam roll ing in low protein diets. This transfer of urea to the gut conserves nitrogen and increases microbial protein production. This also may reduce the concentration of urea nitrogen in blood, and improve reproductive performance. Research has shown that embryonic survival may be compromised in cows that have a high blood urea nitrogen concentration. A recent study at Penn State showed that feeding steam-flaked corn re sulted in low milk urea nitrogen concentrations. In that study, steamed flaked corn was included in the diet at up to 28 percent, and the diet contained 18 nercent crude protein. Mean milk urea nitrogen concentration was lower than the average reported for many dairy farms. Hardware 1739 West Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522 (717) 738-4241 (800) 453-9243 Mon-Fri 7:3oam-B:3opm & Sat Bam-spm • animal health products • equine supplies • show & grooming supplies Call to request a FREE Catalog • rodenticides • fencing supplies • pet supplies • collectible toys We Ship UPS!
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