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-
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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.
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