Cracked Corn Nutrition

Cracked corn is often used in animal feed as a hearty, high-energy yielding food. Some of the animals that ingest cracked corn in their diet include: birds, horses, goats and cattle. It is commonly added to a number of other grains, like oats. The nutritional composition of cracked corn is the same as whole corn, minus the amount of moisture; the "cracked" part refers to the preparation of the grain.

Functions

• Cracked corn is used as an animal feed. It is fed to goats, horses, birds and cattle. It is inexpensive and is usually added to a mixture along with other grains. It functions as a high-energy food reach in glucose. It is said to have a warming effect on the body of the animal.

Identification

• Cracked corn is a corn kernel that has been dried. It retains its yellowish color, even when dehydrated, making it easy to identify inside of a grain mix.

Expert Insight

• Horses ingest cracked corn.

  The Journal of Animal Science conducted a study on the glycemic index of cracked corn and other grains in horses. They conclude that the largest glucose flux in the horses studied came from the horses who ingested corn. Glucose is an essential energy source for all mammals. The study was conducted in order to determine the value of feeding horses after exercise in order to increase their muscle tone.

Physical Components

• The nutritional breakdown of cracked corn is protein at 8 percent, fiber at 3 percent, fat at 3 percent and moisture at 12 percent. Proteins and fats are an essential source of energy. Even though the corn is dried, it still retains enough moisture to keep its structure.

Warning

• Any type of corn is said to raise body heat, most likely due to the high production of glucose. Be wary of feeding animals large amounts of cracked corn in the summer months. Cracked corn should be blended with other grains to achieve a balance of essential nutrients and prevent over consumption.