Hi-Gel™ Corn: Unlocking Nutritional & Economic Value for Dairy Producers
A recent article highlighted that the dairy industry is experiencing a notable increase based on the USDA’s July Milk Production report, milk output surged by 3.4% year-over-year, marking the most significant growth since 2021. This increase reflects strong market demand and presents a strategic opportunity for producers to refine feed strategies that sustain and enhance milk yields—without inflating costs.
Hi-Gel™ Corn: A High-Performance Feed Ingredient
One promising solution for dairy operations is Hi-Gel™ Corn, a high-shear dry extruded product developed by Insta-Pro International. This process produces corn with highly gelatinized starch (≥90%), as confirmed by starch gelatinization testing. Thorough starch gelatinization improves digestibility and energy conversion, offering clear advantages over traditional steam-flaked corn.
When paired with ExPress® soymeal, which delivers highly digestible bypass protein, Hi-Gel™ Corn forms a synergistic ration that supports both milk yield and feed efficiency.
Nutritional Superiority Backed by Research
Hi-Gel™ Corn’s extrusion process enhances rumen microbial fermentation, enabling cows to extract more energy and convert it into microbial protein—a valuable source of digestible protein.
A feeding trial conducted by Penn State University:
- Cows fed Hi-Gel™ Corn and ExPress® soymeal produced 1.8 kg more milk per cow/day than those fed steam-flaked corn with the same soymeal.
- Dry matter intake remained consistent across all diets.
- Milk protein and fat levels were stable throughout the 21-day trial.
- Diets using commodity canola meal instead of ExPress® soymeal resulted in lower milk production.
These findings highlight the nutritional and performance benefits of combining Hi-Gel™ Corn with ExPress® soymeal.
Economic Advantages for Dairy Producers
High-shear dry extrusion unlocks more energy from corn, enabling greater productivity. While economic outcomes vary by market and operation, the Penn State study suggests a potential benefit of $0.72–$0.76 per head/day, driven by improved feed efficiency and increased milk output per/cow/day.
By incorporating Hi-Gel™ Corn into dairy rations, producers can maximize returns while maintaining herd performance and milk composition.
Conclusion: Optimizing Dairy Nutrition for Milk Production
As milk production rises and market dynamics evolve, dairy producers must adopt feed solutions that are both nutritionally effective and economically viable. Hi-Gel™ Corn, with its enhanced digestibility and ability to support microbial protein synthesis, offers a compelling alternative to steam-flaked corn.
Combined with ExPress® soymeal, it delivers a high-performance ration that boosts milk yield and optimizes feed economics—empowering producers to thrive in today’s competitive dairy landscape.
