Key Points
- Samples of maize grain residue (including rachis) were tested for nutrient content and feed analysis.
- Of the nitrogen and phosphorus taken up by maize, more is removed as grain than returned as residue. In contrast, most of the potassium is returned as residue.
- The feed value of maize grain residue is low compared with maize harvested for silage and should be viewed as a maintenance feed only for dry dairy cows.
- When grazing dairy cows on maize grain residue for more than a few days, magnesium supplementation will be required.
- Avoid grazing dairy cows on maize grain residue in late pregnancy as intake is limited by gutfill and protein and magnesium requirements will not be met.
- Soil damage from pugging and stock trampling can be reduced by back fencing, removing cows in wet conditions or lowering the feed utilisation target.