Golden Harvest Agronomy Up Front Research has been working with the Nebraska Corn Board and Researchers at University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) to study the influence of corn kernel characteristics on performance of beef feedlot cattle. The primary goal of this research project was to identify corn kernel characteristics that are highly correlated to feedlot cattle performance, says JC Robinson Seeds Agronomy Systems Manager, Wayne Fithian.

Variation exists in feeding value among corn hybrids. Identifying and determining why specific hybrids are better has tremendous implications for corn and cattle producers, said Dr. Galen Erickson, UNL Beef Feedlot Research and Extension Specialist and lead researcher on the project. The most efficient way to document this variability is to feed grain from hybrids with very different kernel characteristics, and then correlate feed to gain differences with results of laboratory procedures and other tests conducted on the grain. Using this methodology, Dr. Erickson and his research team identified three physical kernel characteristics and two chemical characteristics that are highly correlated with feed to gain in a dry rolled corn based diet.

Dr. Erickson is excited about results of the feeding trial and lab tests. We now have a set of tests that will help feeders effectively characterize corn hybrids for feed suitability and improved animal performance. For example, many feeders have historically preferred hard, higher test weight corn. This research demonstrated that test weight is not a good indicator of animal performance. In fact, Erickson pointed out that in this study cattle fed a dry rolled corn based diet consisting of corn with higher proportions of softer endosperm gained more efficiently compared to cattle fed harder endosperm grain. Results of the study will be published this fall in the 2004 Nebraska Beef Report, an annual research report from the UNL Department of Animal Sciences. (2004 Beef Report can be viewed at http://animalscience.unl.edu/beef)

It is paramount we unlock the secrets in each kernel of corn, and match them with the best means of gaining a benefit for both the corn producer and the end market for that corn, adds Don Hutchens, Executive Director of the Nebraska Corn Board. This project brought corn producers, the seed industry and the Land Grant University together using check-off dollars to dig deeper into matching corn characteristics with improved feeding efficiencies. According to Hutchens, corn check-off dollars play an important role in helping finance both basic and applied research, and when they can be matched by working with partners like JC Robinson Seeds, Nebraska corn growers get the most out of their investment.

JC Robinson Seeds will continue to pursue research in the area of corn kernel traits and feedlot cattle performance. According to Fithian, JC Robinson Seeds is committed to helping our industry and our customers improve efficiencies through genetics – both on the farm, and in the feedlot. Don Hutchens said the Nebraska Corn Board is committed to helping improve profitability of the Nebraska livestock industry through research, market development, and by helping address environmental issues. Anything we can do to help the livestock producer will benefit the crop producer as well as the overall rural economy. 

JC Robinson Seeds is a Seed Specialist Company servicing the Western Corn Belt with Golden Harvest® hybrid corn, sorghum, soybean, and alfalfa products. The 115-year old company is one of five member companies comprising Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc. Family-owned since 1888, JC Robinson Seeds has grown into a network of more than 1,500 employees, farmer-sales representatives and distributors. The Company markets in the Western Corn Belt states of Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, the West Coast, plus international sales in Europe and Mexico.

Golden Harvest is a registered trademark of Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc.
Agronomy Up Front is a trademark of Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc.