Corn husks are the leafy, multi-layered material surrounding and protecting the kernels of an ear of corn. As a significant agricultural byproduct, these husks represent a substantial volume of fibrous plant material left behind after the corn harvest. This residue poses both a challenge and an opportunity, raising the question of which animals consume them and why.
Livestock Consumption of Corn Husks
Large ruminant animals, such as cattle and goats, are the primary managed consumers of corn husks in agricultural settings. These animals possess a specialized four-compartment stomach that allows them to digest high-fiber plant materials through microbial fermentation. Cattle selectively graze on the husks and leaves of corn residue, which have a higher energy value than the stalk or cob.
Husks are rarely fed whole and raw due to their bulk and lower digestibility compared to grain. To improve palatability and nutrient uptake, husks are often chopped or ground before being included in a total mixed ration. They are commonly incorporated into silage, where fermentation enhances the nutritional profile and preservation. This processing makes the complex carbohydrates more accessible to the animal’s digestive system, ensuring the fibrous material provides caloric return.
Wildlife and Pest Foraging
In unmanaged environments, many wild animals and agricultural pests strip and consume corn husks primarily to access the kernels underneath. Mammals like white-tailed deer and raccoons tear through the outer husk layers to reach the developing corn ear, often causing significant crop damage. Deer bite the tender silk and the tip of the cob, while raccoons strip the husk entirely and pull the stalk down to eat the kernels.
Smaller animals, including squirrels, various bird species, and insects, also interact with the husk. Squirrels strip the husk to get at the kernels, often leaving shredded pieces scattered on the ground. The corn earworm is an insect whose larvae bore through the husk layers to feed directly on the kernels, using the husk as protection. For these animals, the husk is a protective wrapping they must remove or breach to reach a higher-calorie food source.
The Low Nutritional Value of Corn Husks
Corn husks are not considered high-quality feed because their composition is dominated by lignocellulosic materials. The dry matter contains high amounts of structural carbohydrates like cellulose and hemicellulose. These fibers provide bulk but are difficult to break down; for instance, husks can contain over 700 grams of these fibers per kilogram of dry matter.
This high fiber content is compounded by a low protein content, often less than 20 grams per kilogram of dry matter. The limited digestible energy means that husks offer little nutritional return despite their volume. While ruminants can process this fiber, the energy derived is not sufficient for high-production needs. Therefore, livestock rations using husks require supplementation with protein and energy concentrates to meet dietary requirements.