New Developments in Corn for Swine and Poultry

Purdue University 2000 Swine Research Report. The recent developments in corn production, breeding, and market emphasis have led to a greater variety of corn hybrids for growers and livestock producers to choose from that focus on the major user, livestock production. Animal use of US corn production consumes 55 to 80% of all production. The ability to incorporate specific traits and genes into corn hybrids is going to further enhance corns position as the number one US feed grain. Through these corn hybrid trait modifications, livestock producers are beginning to realize the economic benefits of high oil, high protein, low lignin/high digestible, low phytate, and other corn hybrid traits. The latest trends for nutrient-enhanced corn for livestock have created a value added product that livestock producers are willing to pay for. High oil corn is valued at 15 to 25 cents per bushel more to swine and poultry livestock producers because of the increased energy concentration. A nutrient dense product that contains elevated oil and amino acids has even greater value for livestock producers. High available phosphorus corn will greatly decrease the need for supplemental inorganic phosphorus in livestock diets (reducing cost) and reduce the potential environmental impact livestock operations have in a given area. The use of edible vaccines and antibodies will play a major role in the future to limit the impact of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases on livestock production. The development of vaccine delivery through corn is probably the most exciting and yet controversial development to date for livestock users of corn.