Corn is the most energy efficient crop - All About Feed (2024)

FAQs

Is corn the most efficient crop? ›

Corn, sugarcane, switchgrass, all can be used to make ethanol.

Production of corn-ethanol is energy efficient, in that it yields 34 percent more energy than it takes to produce it, including growing the corn, harvesting it, transporting it, and distilling it into ethanol.

In addition to improving growth efficiency, corn grain is fed to cattle in the finishing phase because it increases carcass quality grades by increasing fat deposition (especially intramuscular or “taste” fat), which results in a more desirable product for consumers.

Corn is a major component of livestock feed. Feed use, a derived demand, is closely related to the number of animals (cattle, hogs, and poultry) that are fed corn and typically accounts for about 40 percent of total domestic corn use.

Corn is the most widely produced feed grain in the United States, accounting for more than 95 percent of total feed grain production and use. The other three major feed grains are sorghum, barley, and oats. Most of the corn crop provides the main energy ingredient in livestock feed.

In a literal sense, corn contributes 10% of the fuel for all cars in the US. That ethanol accounts for more than forty percent of all the corn produced. Much of the remaining sixty percent of the corn produced goes to livestock feed: it is fuel for the animals that feed the citizens.

Energy crops, such as corn and sugarcane, are one of the main sources of biomass-based feedstocks that have been examined for biofuel production.

Certain foods require less energy to produce than others, whether because it requires less land and water or because there are fewer industrial processes needed to produce it. The most energy efficient foods include wheat, beans, fish, eggs, nuts and other non-resource-intensive products.

Dietary fiber: Corn contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety and helps maintain bowel regularity. Antioxidants: Corn contains certain antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. Energy: Corn is a carbohydrate-rich food, that provides energy for the body.

What wild animals are attracted to the corn? While it may vary based on where you live and the time of year, you can catch many animals around your home by using corn, including: songbirds, hawks, crows, quail, squirrels, opossum, rabbits, raccoon, foxes, turkey and deer.

Why is corn used instead of grass to feed cows? ›

Not only does corn provide valuable nutrition, but it also helps keep the cost of raising cattle and buying beef at the store more affordable. It takes significantly longer for a steer or heifer to reach market weight if it only eats grass and is never fed corn—which is called grass-finished beef.

Cows can be fed whole corn as a supplement. Corn would be considered an energy feed and therefore an energy supplement. In high forage cow diets, I would not feed more than 3 to 4 lb per head per day.

Corn Consumption Per Person

By a wide margin, the most significant consumers of corn per person are Mexico, followed by South Africa. Mexico makes perfect sense here, as Mexican street corn is one of the world's most iconic dishes -- and Mexico is where corn was first domesticated.

Kale, rape, turnips can cause hemolytic anemia in cows if that is the basis of their diet. Symptoms include weakness, brown or red urine, collapsing, and death. Brassicas may absorb enough amounts of nitrites that can result in nitrate poisoning in large enough amounts.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), sugarcane, maize, rice, and wheat are the most consumed crops in the world.

Aside from sugar cane in first place, the next the top three most produced crops in the world are all classified as grains. Grains include cereals and legumes and are such a widespread crop because they can grow in almost any climate.

Calorie farming produces a complete diet in the smallest space possible by focusing on special root crops that are calorie-dense and yield well in a small area. These specific crops are: potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, leeks, garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, and salsify.

Dubbed "red gold", saffron's high market value makes it arguably the most profitable agricultural crop. Though it requires careful cultivation, the potential profits per acre are unmatched, highlighting its viability for small farms looking to maximize their earnings.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), sugarcane, maize, rice, and wheat are the most consumed crops in the world.