Corn is a widely cultivated grain that serves as a significant food source across diverse ecosystems. Its widespread presence makes it readily available to a multitude of organisms. This plant provides substantial energy, making it a valuable part of the natural diet for many species and a staple in agriculture worldwide.
Mammals That Consume Corn
A variety of mammalian species consume corn, often seeking it in agricultural fields or suburban gardens. White-tailed deer are particularly fond of corn, readily eating it and sometimes biting off the cob tip or taking the entire cob. Raccoons are notorious for their sweet corn raids; these agile animals often climb corn stalks, damaging plants and stripping husks to access ripe ears.
Squirrels frequently include corn kernels in their diet. Smaller rodents like deer mice and black rats are also drawn to corn, especially harvested grains, as its high starch content provides them with a dense energy source.
Wild pigs, including wild hogs, forage for unharvested corn ears in fields, using their size to trample standing stalks. Black bears also consume sweet corn, knocking down stalks to access the ears. Additionally, domestic animals such as cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, sheep, and goats are commonly fed corn as a primary component of their diets.
Birds That Consume Corn
Many bird species readily consume corn, whether as whole kernels or processed into cracked corn. Crows consider sweet corn a favored snack and will peck through husks to reach the kernels, leaving a distinct “firecracker look” on the cobs.
Other game birds such as wild turkeys, pheasants, quail, and grouse are attracted to cracked and shelled corn, often feeding on it at ground level. Smaller birds like sparrows and starlings eat cracked corn and can cause significant cumulative damage to young corn shoots and leaves. Doves are common ground-feeding birds that consume cracked corn. Waterfowl, including ducks and geese, consume whole corn kernels.
Insects That Consume Corn
Insect species represent a different category of corn consumers, often targeting specific parts of the plant. The corn earworm, for example, primarily feeds on corn ears, though larvae also consume leaves, tassels, and the whorl. These larvae clip corn silks and then burrow into the kernels at the ear tip, leaving behind noticeable excrement.
Due to their cannibalistic nature, typically only one corn earworm larva is found per ear. Another significant insect pest is the European corn borer, whose larvae bore into all parts of the corn plant. Early feeding by these larvae creates horizontal rows of holes in young leaves.
As they mature, European corn borer larvae tunnel into stems, which weakens the stalks and can disrupt the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients. This tunneling can also lead to reduced kernel yield and ears dropping off the plant. Corn rootworms, including Western and Northern species, primarily cause damage during their larval stage by feeding on corn roots. Young larvae consume root hairs, while older larvae burrow into and prune the roots, impairing the plant’s water and nutrient uptake and potentially causing lodging, where plants fall over. Adult rootworms also feed on corn silks, which can interfere with pollination.
Nutritional Appeal of Corn
Corn is a highly appealing food source for a wide range of animals due to its nutritional composition. It is particularly rich in carbohydrates, primarily starch, which makes up approximately 70-75% of its dry matter. This high carbohydrate content provides a dense source of energy, which is beneficial for both wild animals and livestock, supporting growth and productivity.
Corn also contains a moderate amount of protein, typically ranging from 7-9%. For cattle, about 65% of corn protein is bypass protein, meaning it is digested later in the small intestine rather than in the rumen.
Beyond its macronutrients, corn supplies a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. It contains B vitamins, such as thiamine and folate, as well as vitamin C. Important minerals found in corn include zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium. The presence of antioxidants like carotenoids and phenolic acids further adds to its nutritional value. Animals are also drawn to corn due to its natural taste, contributing to its high palatability and making it a favored component in many animal diets.