Evaluation of Corn Varieties for Grazing In Northern Alberta.

EVALUATION OF CORN VARIETIES FOR GRAZING IN NORTHERN ALBERTA

Akim Omokanye

Peace Country Beef & Forage Association

Box 3000, Animal Science Building

Grande Prairie Regional College, Fairview, AB Canada T0H 1L0

ABSTRACT

In northern parts of Alberta, winter feed is very costly for livestock operations. To reduce feed cost, cow-calf producers are exploring options to extend the grazing season. There has been a growing interest in using corn to extend grazing season. In 2010, 10 varieties of corn with corn heat units (CHU) varying from 2050 to 2575 were evaluated for forage dry matter yield and feed value in Fairview, Alberta. The production cost of corn for grazing as a standing crop was also calculated and compared to oats, which is popular for green feed in the area. Corn forage dry matter yield varied from 1411 kg/ha to 4864 kg/ha. Generally, forage dry matter yield decreased as CHU increased with varieties tested. In terms of feed quality, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and Ca & P contents all varied among the corn varieties tested. The increase in acid detergent lignin was less pronounced.  Total direct (input) cost was lower for oats (C$201.63) and higher for corn (C$391.17), giving a difference of C$189.53/hectare between the two crops. To improve the rate of adoption of corn for grazing in parts of the Peace Region of Alberta, more corn varieties particularly those with lower CHUs need to be developed and screened for their potential and suit­ability in extending the grazing season.