High Shear Dry Extruded Corn in Feedlot Receiving Diets

Lay Summary

Corn is the primary energy source in feedlot cattle diets, but how it is processed before feeding affects how well cattle can digest and use it. Steam flaking is one of the most effective processing methods but requires significant infrastructure investment. High shear dry extrusion is a novel processing method that cracks the corn kernel and applies heat and pressure to make starch more available for digestion. In this 38-day receiving study with 226 newly arrived steers, high shear dry extruded corn improved feed efficiency and estimated starch digestibility using a predictive equation based on fecal starch and nitrogen concentration to levels comparable to steam flaked corn, and both were superior to dry rolled corn. Blood glucose and insulin were not affected by processing method. These results suggest high shear dry extrusion may be a practical alternative to steam flaking for feedlot operators looking to improve the feeding value of corn grain.