A corn-based ‘flake’ feed produced through steam processing could significantly increase milk yields and improve feed efficiency in dairy cattle. This feeding practice is gaining popularity among farmers in some parts of Russia.
A group of Russian farmers reported encouraging results from using steam-processed corn flakes that they say “resemble a breakfast cereal but are designed for animal nutrition”. The feed is produced by treating corn with high temperature and moisture, improving starch digestibility and availability in cattle diets.
Producers say the technology delivers higher nutrient absorption compared with conventional ground corn, along with improved hygiene due to the thermal processing stage. “We see around double the digestibility versus crushed feed, minimal losses during sorting, and no harmful microorganisms after long steam treatment,” one supplier was quoted by the local Russian press.
Milk yield gains
According to the results of several field trials, the feed can translate into measurable productivity gains.
“If a cow produces 38 litres per day, with flaked corn you can reach 42 litres,” said Vitaly Yakubchik, CEO of a Belarus-based supplier. “Four litres per cow is a very strong improvement,” he added.
At herd scale, he said, even modest yield increases could significantly improve profitability, particularly for large dairy operations with thousands of cows, potentially generating substantial additional annual income.
Accelerating adoption
The new feed is reportedly being tested on more than a dozen farms. The product is currently manufactured at only a handful of facilities in Russia and Belarus.
To encourage wider uptake, corn flakes in Russia are offered for trial deliveries of the feed at a price comparable to standard corn, allowing farmers to evaluate performance over a 1-month feeding period.
Flaked corn feed is not a new concept in livestock nutrition. However, its wider adoption is limited by higher processing costs, the need for specialised equipment, and tighter requirements for ration management. If improperly processed or poorly balanced in diets, it can also increase the risk of digestive disorders such as ruminal acidosis.
Russian producers say their technology is cost-effective, but have not provided concrete information.
Regional support
Authorities in Russia’s Amur region signaled potential financial support for infrastructure tied to the technology, including possible subsidies for new processing facilities.
Amur agriculture minister Oleg Turkov said the approach could offer a meaningful productivity boost. “This could increase milk yields by up to 20%. The world is already using it, Belarus is using it, and Russia is only just beginning,” he said.
