Evaluating the Use of BMR Corn as an Acceptable Forage Source for Grazing Cattle

Montana is a typically low-rainfall area with limited irrigation in some areas. Moisture is critical for producing high-yielding, highquality forages. Finding forage species that can produce both a high-quality and high-yielding product is important for livestock producers throughout Montana and the region. While quality of perennial and annual grasses may be comparable to corn, their yield per acre is significantly less. Corn is commonly used in other parts of the country as a forage source, whether it be for grazing, hay, or silage. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were: to evaluate whether the improved BMR (Brown Midrib) corn varieties are an acceptable grazing source for livestock, identify any anti-quality factors that may be associated with BMR corn, and to identify the average nutrient values for the three varieties. We hypothesized that these improved BMR corn varieties would be an acceptable grazing source for livestock, and would be able to be utilized by producers as another forage option in their livestock management.