Corn Gluten Feed — Livestock Feed Analysis
Corn gluten feed is a byproduct of the corn wet-milling industry, produced when starch and gluten are extracted from the corn kernel. With 21% crude protein and 80% TDN, corn gluten feed provides a balanced combination of protein and energy at a competitive price. It is widely used in beef cattle, dairy, and sheep diets as a partial replacement for both corn grain and soybean meal. Corn gluten feed should not be confused with corn gluten meal, which is a different product with much higher protein (60%) used primarily in poultry diets and as a natural herbicide. The fiber in corn gluten feed is highly digestible, making it a safe energy source that is less likely to cause acidosis than straight corn. Corn gluten feed is available in both dry and wet forms, with the wet form (40% DM) being more economical but requiring on-farm storage in bunkers or bags.
Which Animals Can Corn Gluten Feed Feed?
The table below shows how Corn Gluten Feed performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 21% crude protein and 80% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 21% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 80% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where corn gluten feed fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 27.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $81.82 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 55.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $167.05 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 25.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $75.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $17.90 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.45 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $17.90 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.6 lbs | Yes | Yes | $40.91 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.5 lbs | Yes | Yes | $25.57 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.68 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.02 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | Yes | $2.98 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.07 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.95 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $21.48 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.1 lbs | Yes | Yes | $9.20 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.5 lbs | Yes | Yes | $25.57 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $122.73 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $68.18 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $17.05 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.45 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Corn Gluten Feed with other feeds in the byproduct category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Distillers Grains (Dried) | 90% | 27% | 86% | $200 | $222 |
| Beet Pulp | 91% | 9% | 74% | $280 | $308 |
| Wheat Bran | 89% | 16% | 67% | $180 | $202 |
| Rice Bran | 91% | 13% | 65% | $200 | $220 |
| Molasses | 75% | 5% | 72% | $150 | $200 |
| Corn Gluten Feed | 88% | 21% | 80% | $200 | $227 |
| Brewers Grains (Wet) | 24% | 26% | 66% | $60 | $250 |
Feeding Guidelines for Corn Gluten Feed
When incorporating corn gluten feed into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 88%, each pound of as-fed corn gluten feed provides 0.88 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 21% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 3.4 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 80% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of corn gluten feed at $200 per ton translates to $0.100 per pound as-fed or $0.114 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.