There are various types of cereal fodder crops that you can give your dairy cows. Among them, maize grain stands out as one of the most widely used because of its high energy content, which can support increased milk production and improved reproductive performance in dairy cows.
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Why Maize Grain Is Commonly Used for Dairy Cows
Maize grain is valued primarily as an energy-dense concentrate feed. Its starch content is among the highest of all cereal grains, making it an efficient and consistent energy source for high-producing dairy cows that need large amounts of metabolizable energy to sustain milk yield. While other grains such as barley and wheat offer higher crude protein content, maize excels in energy density, which is the nutritional attribute most critical for supporting milk production volume in a pasture or silage-based dairy system.
Maize grain is also relatively consistent in composition across harvests and responds predictably to processing, which makes ration formulation easier for farm nutritionists and herd managers working with large dairy herds.
Maize Grain Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Value (per kg Dry Matter) | Role in Dairy Cow Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Metabolizable Energy | 13.5 MJ ME/kg DM | Primary driver of milk production and body condition |
| Crude Protein | ~8% | Supports rumen microbe growth and milk protein synthesis |
| Starch | ~68 to 72% | Main energy substrate; fermented in rumen to produce propionate |
| Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) | ~9% | Low NDF means maize does not contribute much rumen bulk |
| Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) | ~75% | High NSC requires careful feeding rate management to avoid acidosis |
| Fat | ~3 to 4% | Contributes additional energy and milk fat precursors |
Important Aspects of Feeding Maize Grains to Dairy Cows
Several important aspects need to be considered when using maize grain as feed for dairy cows.
Supplements
The type of supplement combined with maize grain in the diet affects the composition of milk solids produced. Sugar-based supplements tend to increase milk protein and lactose content. Fiber-based supplements tend to increase milk fat content. Understanding this relationship allows dairy farmers to fine-tune the milk composition of their herd by adjusting the supplement mix alongside maize grain in the ration.
Storage
The storage area for maize grains must be kept free from mold and insects. Mold contamination does not only reduce feed intake but can introduce mycotoxins that cause serious health problems in dairy cows and reduce milk quality. Store grain in airtight containers or sealed bags at room temperature with controlled humidity. Moisture content at storage should be at or below 14% to prevent mold development. For large volumes, understanding the right silage film and storage principles helps maintain feed quality over extended periods.
Processing
After processing, the digestibility of maize grain increases by approximately 5 to 15%. The main purpose of processing is to produce consistent particle sizes, reducing both overly fine particles and whole grains in the final product. Overly fine particles are digested too quickly by rumen bacteria, causing rapid acid production and high risk of rumen pH fluctuations. This can lead to sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA), a common and costly condition in grain-fed dairy herds. The most common processing methods for maize grain include dry rolling, steam flaking, and high-moisture grain ensiling, each offering different starch availability and digestibility profiles.
Feeding Rates
Correct feeding rates depend on the age and milk production level of each cow, as well as the composition of the rest of the diet. The general recommendation is that the total diet should contain no more than 38% total non-structural carbohydrates and no more than 30% total starch on a dry matter basis across all feeds combined (forage plus concentrates). For a pasture-based system, maize grain should not exceed 30% of total dry matter intake.
The feeding rate should be reduced when the diet already includes other starch or sugar sources such as other grains or molasses. In a single feeding, a maximum of 2.5 kg DM of maize grain should be given to avoid acute acidosis risk. Maize grain should always be introduced gradually over 10 to 14 days when cows are not accustomed to it.
Maize Grain vs Other Cereal Grains for Dairy Cows
| Grain Type | Energy (MJ ME/kg DM) | Crude Protein (%) | Starch (%) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maize (Corn) | 13.5 | ~8% | ~70% | High-energy supplement for peak lactation |
| Barley | 12.5 | ~11 to 12% | ~55 to 60% | Balanced protein and energy; widely used in dairy TMR |
| Wheat | 13.0 | ~12 to 13% | ~60 to 65% | High protein and energy; limit to avoid acidosis |
| Oats | 11.0 | ~10 to 11% | ~40 to 45% | Safe for transition cows; higher fiber than other grains |
| Sorghum | 12.5 | ~9 to 10% | ~60 to 65% | Good maize alternative in dry climates |
Cleanliness of Feeding Area and Ease of Access
- Clean the feed box regularly to prevent buildup of old feed that may have become moldy.
- Ensure the feeding area is large enough to allow multiple cows to eat simultaneously without competition stress.
- The surface of the feed box should be smooth and free of perforations so cows can eat comfortably.
- Make sure guardrails do not restrict cow access to the feed trough.
- The feeding area should have no sharp or pointed edges that could injure cows during feeding.
- Always have fresh feed available on time to maintain consistent dry matter intake across the herd.
Supply of Clean and Fresh Water
Water intake is as important as feed intake. To support the digestion of maize grain effectively, a supply of clean and fresh water must always be available. Position the water trough separately from the sleeping area and feed box to avoid contamination, but within easy reach of all cows. A lactating dairy cow consuming maize grain in her ration can require 80 to 120 liters of water per day depending on body size, milk production level, and ambient temperature. Keep water troughs clean and check them daily.
Maize Grain and Silage: The Complete Feed Approach
Maize grain and maize silage are often used together in dairy systems as complementary feed components. While maize grain provides concentrated energy in the concentrate portion of the ration, maize silage contributes bulk energy, fermentable starch, and moisture that supports rumen health and total dry matter intake. Together they form one of the most effective energy foundations for high-producing dairy herds. The quality of the silage stored depends on the integrity of the silage wrapping film used to maintain an airtight seal during the fermentation process.
For more on how different grain crops support livestock nutrition beyond maize, the broader picture helps in building a more resilient and cost-effective feed program across seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maize Grain for Dairy Cows
Q: How much maize grain can I feed a dairy cow per day?
The safe maximum is generally 2.5 kg of dry matter per single feeding, and the daily total should not push the overall diet above 30% starch or 38% non-structural carbohydrates on a dry matter basis when all feed sources are combined. For a cow eating 22 to 24 kg of total dry matter per day, this typically means maize grain should not exceed 6 to 7 kg DM per day in a pasture-based system. High-producing cows in a total mixed ration system may receive higher amounts, but this must be carefully managed by a nutritionist to avoid sub-acute ruminal acidosis.
Q: Why does processing maize grain improve digestibility?
Whole maize grains pass through the rumen less efficiently because the starch inside the kernel is protected by a tough pericarp layer that resists microbial breakdown. Processing methods such as dry rolling, steam flaking, or high-moisture ensiling break down this physical barrier, exposing more starch surface area to rumen bacteria. This increases the rate and extent of starch digestion by 5 to 15% compared to whole grain. However, processing also means the starch is fermented faster, which requires careful management of feeding rate to prevent rumen pH from dropping too low.
Q: Can maize grain cause acidosis in dairy cows?
Yes, overfeeding maize grain is one of the most common causes of sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy herds. When large amounts of starch are fermented rapidly in the rumen, lactic acid and volatile fatty acids accumulate faster than the rumen can buffer, causing rumen pH to drop below the normal range of 6.0 to 6.8. SARA typically manifests as reduced feed intake, loose manure, reduced milk fat percentage, and reduced milk production over time. Prevention involves introducing maize grain gradually, not exceeding recommended daily limits, including adequate effective fiber from forage in the ration, and distributing grain intake across multiple feedings per day.
Q: What is the difference between maize grain and maize silage for dairy cows?
Maize grain is the dried, harvested seed of the maize plant, used primarily as a high-starch energy concentrate. Maize silage is the whole maize plant, harvested at the milky-dough stage and preserved through anaerobic fermentation. Maize silage provides energy from both starch and fermentable fiber, and also contributes bulk and moisture to the ration that supports total dry matter intake and rumen fill. Maize grain is much higher in starch density per kilogram of dry matter but provides no effective fiber. In a well-balanced dairy ration, both are often used together, with silage forming the forage base and grain as the concentrate top-up.
Q: How should maize grain be stored on farm to prevent mold and spoilage?
Maize grain should be dried to a moisture content of 14% or below before storage. At this moisture level, mold growth is inhibited. Store in airtight bins, sealed bags, or silos that exclude moisture, insects, and rodents. Regularly check stored grain for signs of heating, clumping, or unusual odor, which are early indicators of mold activity. If mycotoxin contamination is suspected in stored grain, do not feed it to dairy cows without testing, as mycotoxins can transfer into milk and cause serious health and production problems in the herd.
Q: Is maize grain suitable for all stages of dairy cow production?
Maize grain is most beneficial during peak lactation when energy demands are highest and the cow’s voluntary feed intake cannot fully meet her energy requirements. It is less suitable as a major feed component during the dry period and the transition period (three weeks before and after calving), when overconsumption of rapidly fermentable starch significantly increases the risk of displaced abomasum, ketosis, and acidosis. During transition, oats or lower-starch grains are generally preferred. After calving, maize grain can be introduced gradually once the cow has adapted to a grain-containing ration and rumen health is stable.
This article was last reviewed and updated by the Silopak Editorial Team on Mei 25, 2026. Our team periodically revisits published content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current best practices in livestock feed management and silage preservation.
