Feeding the reward you want to achieve with some playful work may not be that easy. Certainly, it is not the same endeavor as working with some domesticated animals.
What is causing the trouble? It must be the confusion about what type of corn to feed the deer.
So, is whole corn or cracked corn better for deer?
Whole corn is better for deer due to reasons such as easier digestibility, higher nutrition, and greater health benefits. Cracked corn is tastier though, but it is not good to constantly feed larger species like deer. Whole corn is well-defined with feed efficiency and is more economical.
In your opinion, what figures do you need for the right decision? Let’s find out!
Difference Between Whole Corn And Cracked Corn For Deer
| Factors | Whole Corn | Cracked Corn | Which Is Better For Deer? |
| Digestability | Easy To Digest | Causes Digestive Issues | Whole Corn |
| Nutrition | More Nutritional Value | Less Nutritional Value | Whole Corn |
| Taste | Less Tasty | More Tasty | Cracked Corn |
| Health Benefits | Better Gut Health | Good Energy Source | Whole Corn |
| Whom To Feed | Deer, Chicken, Cattles | Deer, Ducks, Turkeys, Birds | Whole Corn |
| Feed Efficiency | More | Less | Whole Corn |
| Cost | Less | More | Whole Corn |
Whole corn is pure, whereas, cracked corn is treated to carry some distinct functions. For example, the dried kernels are crushed into small pieces so that they are easier to chew and digest.
This is the feature that cracked corn carries, mostly to eliminate conditions where the deer is not eating enough corn due to environmental reasons.
However, a few unique points will make things clear on why whole corn can be better than cracked corn.
Digestability:
The cracked corn is prepared for easy digestion. Such processing is done to improve digestibility by 10%. Still, within the frame of comparison, untreated whole corn is also easier to digest.
There is a possibility of cracked corn creating digestive issues, particularly when fed to deer. Chances of stomach bloating are apparent with cracked corn. This problem is not there with whole corn.
One single cup of whole corn holds 3 grams of fiber which is a sufficient amount. This is when it comes to maintaining good bowel health.
Which Corn Offers Better Digestability?
Whole corn offers better digestibility and should be preferred over cracked corn so that a healthy feeding frenzy is assured.
There are more advantages also…
Nutrition:
Whole corn carries better nutritional value than cracked corn. As we mentioned before, whole corn is rich in fibers, and cracked corn is not.
When the corn is cracked, the carbohydrate levels increase to 21 grams, per 100 grams serving. The fiber contents go down beyond sufficient levels as well (under 2 grams) when the corns are cracked.
The whole gran on the other hand carries 19 grams of carbs. The difference is perhaps not much, but good enough to say that whole grain is more nutritious.
So, Which One Is Better?
Yes, it is easy to say that the preference is more inclined toward whole corn than cracked corn.
Let us find out, why cracked corn is still in the game!
Taste:
Cracked corn is tasty, feasibly much tastier than whole corn. Cracked corns are easy to chew and fulfill certain cravings. When the deer are in a good mood, they act like humans, mostly, seeking stuff to satisfy taste buds.
Yes, they know how to party!
If you want the deer to enjoy its surroundings, applications of some deer sweet feeding techniques will get things going.
You must also do a few things to keep a high level of nutritional value. Adding some oats and brown bread won’t hurt also.
Why Tastes Matter?
Taste matter to ensure a positive behavioral attribute, this is why the verdict goes to cracked corn in this department.
Health Benefits:
It is time to get rid of the fancy stuff and focus on practical scenarios. Whole corn with its better nutritional values, poses better health benefits. We have explained how dietary fibers are important, especially for good gut health.
With cracked corn, there are possibilities of encountering constipation issues, the deer won’t like it. Just like us, when the party times are over, the deer has to go back to being serious about its health.
In long term, if cracked corn is not fed in moderation, there are risks of life-threatening diseases, even for deer. Yes, it is good to avoid junk foods to prevent cancer. The deer feeding scenarios shouldn’t be an exception.
Who Is The Winner?
Undoubtedly, whole corn is a winner, it is nutritious and doesn’t irritate the internal digestive system.
Whom To Feed?
You can feed whole corn to a whole range of different animals such as cattle and chicken. Deer also fall under such a category. Unbeknownst, to too many people, chickens, and birds love the small cracked corn pieces.
Consequently, whole grains are better to feed larger animals. And, as we said, cracked corn is good enough for tiny species.
Keeping that knowledge under consideration, you shall be feeding the right type of corn, within the whole grain scene, to the deer.
Where Is The Verdict Going?
In terms of preference, the verdict is confirming the feeding process of whole corn to the deer.
Yes, don’t add any complexity to the cracked corn preparation affairs.
Feed Efficiency:
This brings us to this segment, feed efficiency! What does it mean? Let us help you with a possible picture, the chew sensations of the cracked corn will make deer want more.
Development in cracked corn cravings would mean that certain nutritional elements will not convert into health-beneficial ingredients. Whole corns do a favorable job in this area.
Some abnormal deer behavior will let you know how they are wanting more junk, don’t go forward with the cracked corn. If the tasty flavors are missing more often, subconscious progress would happen among deer to look for healthier alternatives.
So, What To Feed?
No wonder, you have to feed whole corn more often. Cracked corn can be served, perhaps once a week, and no more.
Cost:
There is a higher cost associated with the making of cracked corn. The rolling-up factors include some extra expenses when the corn is turned into cracked corn.
The whole corn dismisses this issue and becomes a more cost-friendly approach to feeding deer.
Why would you spend extra where there is no sufficient benefit, especially in the health department? With the recent year’s advent of soaring corn prices, you should integrate more economical practices.
It is considered that you will be saving up to 5% in the whole corn feeding cost when the aim is to hunt at a secure time. Always determine what is giving you the most benefits, and apply the right options.
Which Is Better For Dear?
A budge-friendly approach is better for deer, don’t let the health go bad with costly methods of feeding.
Whole Corn Or Cracked Corn- Which One is Better For Deer?
We have uncovered seven different factors and went into detail with a few facts and figures. Out of the seven segments, the whole corn has won six times and the cracked corn just once.
The verdict attains to the numerical figures when judging which one is better. Definitely, whole corn is way better and so apply what is required with whole corn for the deer to enjoy.
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Some quality products will enhance and excite the feeding frenzy and rank up the hunting parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Will cracked corn hurt deer?
Yes, cracked corn may hurt deer in terms of causing bloated acidic effects inside the stomach. Taking more than sufficient amounts is a major source of bad gut health which may lead to vomits and diarrhea.
What attracts deer better than corn?
It has been reported that peanut butter attracts deer a lot. They love this food because of the tasty ingredients which have some health benefits too.
When should you stop feeding corn to deer?
It is suggested that you stop feeding corn during the late winter periods and early springtime. Deer want to avoid eating corn during this time frame as it causes digestive issues.
Bottomline
Hopefully you have stopped wondering if whole corn or cracked corn is better for deer. It is not very confusing to determine which one is better, whole corn serves the right purposes.
We shall leave now with the thought that you achieved some good advisable ideas after reading the entire article!
Bye for now!
