This article discusses the use of some alternative and by-product energy feeds that can be substituted for corn. It should be noted that availability and prices of alternative and by-product feeds vary widely throughout the state.
Corn is the concentrate base of most Michigan dairy rations.
The VFA's are absorbed and metabolized to provide energy to the cow and some are converted to blood glucose which the mammary gland requires as a precursor to milk lactose, a sugar. Table 2 lists the nutrient omposition of selected feed ingredients. Corn Alternatives Barley has a rapid digestion rate and is high in starch. Barley can be substituted pound for pound for corn, but needs to be coarsely ground. In Michigan, barley is planted in early spring and harvested in August, and can be used to extend energy supplies until corn harvest, if corn inventories are low.