Cracked Corn — Livestock Feed Analysis
Cracked corn is whole corn that has been mechanically broken into pieces, improving digestibility compared to whole kernels for most livestock species. The nutritional profile (9% CP, 88% TDN) is identical to whole corn, but the processing increases the rate of starch availability in the rumen. This improved availability comes with an increased risk of acidosis if cracked corn is introduced too rapidly or fed in excessive amounts. Cracked corn is the most common energy supplement for beef cattle on forage-based diets, dairy cow total mixed rations, and poultry scratch grain mixes. The processing cost adds approximately $20 per ton compared to whole corn. For horses, cracked corn provides a concentrated energy source for hard-working animals but should be limited to 0.5% of body weight per feeding to prevent digestive disturbances.
Which Animals Can Cracked Corn Feed?
The table below shows how Cracked Corn performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 9% crude protein and 88% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 9% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 88% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where cracked corn 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 | $98.18 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 55.7 lbs | No | Yes | $200.45 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 25.0 lbs | No | Yes | $90.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | No | Yes | $21.48 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.8 lbs | No | Yes | $24.55 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | No | Yes | $21.48 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.6 lbs | No | Yes | $49.09 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.5 lbs | No | Yes | $30.68 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | No | Yes | $0.82 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | Yes | $1.23 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | Yes | $3.58 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.4 lbs | No | Yes | $1.29 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | No | Yes | $1.15 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.2 lbs | No | Yes | $25.77 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.1 lbs | No | Yes | $11.05 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.5 lbs | Yes | Yes | $30.68 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $147.27 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.7 lbs | No | Yes | $81.82 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.7 lbs | No | Yes | $20.45 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.8 lbs | No | Yes | $24.55 |
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 Cracked Corn with other feeds in the grain 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 |
| Cracked Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $240 | $273 |
| Oats | 89% | 12% | 70% | $210 | $236 |
| Barley | 88% | 13% | 84% | $230 | $261 |
Feeding Guidelines for Cracked Corn
When incorporating cracked corn into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 88%, each pound of as-fed cracked corn provides 0.88 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 9% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 1.4 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 88% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of cracked corn at $240 per ton translates to $0.120 per pound as-fed or $0.137 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.