Ah, summertime! The season of sweet, juicy corn on the cob. As you sink your teeth into that delicious treat, you might be tempted to share a tasty morsel with your equine companion. But before you do, let’s explore the question: Can horses eat corn on the cob?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. While corn itself is not toxic to horses, there are some factors to consider. Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
The Basics of Corn
Corn is a staple ingredient in many livestock feeds, and it’s abundant across the United States. Although it lacks certain essential amino acids and protein, corn is unique as it contains high levels of carotene. Horses use carotene to produce Vitamin A, crucial for eyesight and tissue building.
Compared to other grains like oats, corn is higher in starch and lower in fiber, making it a high-energy food. In simple terms, horses can get more energy from the same volume of corn compared to oats. However, corn is not as easily digested as oats, which means portion control is vital to avoid grain overload.
Corn oil can also be added to a horse’s diet to increase the fat content. This is especially useful during winter or times of increased exercise to replenish calories.
The Corn Kernels Conundrum
When it comes to corn kernels, horses can handle them as long as their teeth are healthy. Depending on how the kernels are prepared, their impact on a horse’s digestive system can vary.
- Whole kernels, shelled: These unprocessed kernels will likely pass through the horse’s system mostly undigested. While they provide minimal nutrition, consuming them in large quantities can lead to digestive issues.
- Cracked kernels: Cracking the kernels makes them smaller and more digestible, allowing the horse to extract more nutrients.
- Steamed and rolled kernels: Moisture and flattening make the kernels even more digestible, improving nutrient absorption.
- Steam-flaked kernels: Similar to steamed and rolled kernels, but the corn is heated further to enhance digestibility.
- Ground or crushed kernels: This processing is too extreme for horses. The fine particles can pass too quickly through the small intestines, potentially causing digestive issues and colic.
Despite its nutrient content (71% starch, 4% fat, and 8% protein), corn’s high starch and carbohydrate levels can make horses hot and hyper. Like a sugar rush in kids, corn can provide a burst of energy, but it dissipates quickly.
The Role of the Corn Cob
The corn cob adds fiber to the equation. While corn kernels contain only about 2% fiber, the cob significantly increases that amount. Horses often enjoy chewing on cobs after consuming the kernels. However, cobs should not become the main food source or a regular part of their diet since they are low in energy.
Some horse owners use cobs to slow down horses that gulp down their grain too quickly.
Considering Corn Stalks and Husks
Corn stalks are commonly used as horse bedding, but they should be treated with the same caution as kernels. They can be infected with toxic fungus, so careful consideration is essential.
As for corn husks, they offer little nutritional value but pose no significant concerns unless they show signs of fungus or mold. Horses can enjoy a few leaves or pieces of husk as an occasional treat.
Potential Dangers of Feeding Corn
It is not recommended to feed horses corn directly from the field. Corn can contain toxins like fumonisin, produced by fungus, which can lead to a neurological condition known as equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM). This condition affects the brain’s white matter, resulting in coordination problems, blindness, or even death.
Fumonisin infestations are more prevalent in warm, humid climates, and the toxin doesn’t affect the corn’s taste. Horses may unwittingly consume it, leading to behavior issues and potentially impacting older horses with dental issues.
There’s also a risk of overloading horses with starch, which can disrupt their digestive systems and lead to issues like diarrhea, laminitis, or colic.
In conclusion, corn can be an occasional treat for horses, as long as it’s sourced from a safe place, not excessively ground, and fed in controlled portions. While corn is not as easily digestible as other grains, proper preparation and processing can aid in digestion.
Now you know the ins and outs of treating your equine friend to some corn on the cob. Remember, moderation is key in keeping your horse happy and healthy!
