Maize is a valuable feed ingredient for stock. The grain is a highly digestible source of energy, providing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fatty acids, and antioxidants, contributing to healthy growth, muscle development, and overall animal well-being.
As a very versatile feed option, maize can be fed whole, as silage, or processed into kibble and feed blends to fit a wide range of farm feeding systems.
Why use maize in stock feed?
- Maize is an excellent source of energy for farm animals, with a high starch content which is easily digested and converted into usable energy. Maize can be fed to stock to provide extra energy when forage is poor or pasture growth is slow.
- Maize also contributes to protein intake, which is essential for muscle and tissue growth. Both cows and sheep can produce better quality milk and meat when supplemented with maize.
- Supporting sheep with maize can increase ovulation rates and lambing percentage, support their milk production and therefore increase lamb growth rates.
- Maize contains essential fatty acids that are vital for maintaining healthy skin and coat, and is a good source of antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin E, and lutein, which help protect against cell damage.
- The fibre in maize grain helps to reduce cholesterol levels and improve the animal's digestive health, allowing them to absorb nutrients more efficiently, supporting their immune system and overall health.
