What to feed deer instead of corn?

Are you looking to find what to feed deer instead of corn? Well, I have written extensively on the topic of feeding deer in a best possible way in our previous posts but the question is left unanswered so, in this blog post we will find out what are the best possible things that you can feed deer instead of corn?

Why the question of what to feed deer instead of corn arises?

When a person who is feeding deer realizes that the need of nutrients and other aspects of balanced diet are not met when we feed deer with corn then a person searches for alternatives. The corn does have many starch and carbohydrates but its long-term usage causes serious harms to the digestive system of deer so, I advise you to not use corn for long term to care the delicate creature of deer.  Coming back to question:

 what to feed deer instead of corn?

Oats:

As we discussed in the previous post that the first priority of every expert is oats because this is one of the liked items of deer. It is noted that they have less than 15% proteins in it so, it allows the digestive system of deer to work smoothly without danger of being harmed.

Alfalfa:

Alfalfa is a perennial herb and we have analyzed its aspects in previous blogs as well. It is best in nutrients but we have noticed by our own exposure that there should not be a single item in the food to meet the nutritional needs of deer so, if a person suggests you feed a single item then you should care this aspect because single item usually does not solve the problem instead it can aggravate the situation so, I suggest you to go for the mixture of items.

Chicory:

Chicory is a plantation based nutritional item that helps the deer to grow in an effective way it is backed by the  scientific research as well. It is high in protein and it is digestible up to 70 to 80 percent and it is valuable item that is perennial in its nature and grows even in extreme conditions of drought as well so, this can be an alternative for corn.

What is the best solution while finding what to feed deer instead of corn?

We have mentioned this fact time and again that not single item should be used alone because the nutritional needs are not met by single product or single food item so, we have to find out some combinations that can help deer to retain their nutritional needs, some of major combinations that can be the best answer to those who often ask what to feed deer instead of corn.

The combination of chicory, clover and grains:

Chicory is beneficial in terms of their weight so if you want the deer to gain weight then chicory will help you to do this task effectively. Clover in this combination is helpful for the protein needs while this also helps to increase the fertility of soil. Grains are beneficial when the other two mentioned plantations are not ready then this will help you to tackle with the needs of deer.

Season for this combination:

Spring and fall

Digestibility for deer: 75 to 80%

2: The combination of oats, clover and chicory:

This second combo is also balanced one because oats provide deer with carbs for energy while other aspects of clover and chicory are already discussed in this blog. This combination can be fed in the late winter and fall. We have already written a post that will guide readers about the best food that can be fed to deer in the winter season, if you are interested in the topic, you can check that post as well. Coming back to the combination on the what to feed deer? This combination offers the protein value of more than 18%, which is much higher so its digestibility decreases and it is up to 70 to 80 percent.

Other possible combinations that can be fed to deer instead of corn:

Wheat+ crimson clover + Rye

Triticale+ white clover+ Turnips for summer

Soybeans+ cowpeas+ chicory for summer

Final words:

In this blog we have discussed that what to feed deer instead of corn so, you have explored important combinations that help deer to grow in an effective manner. Hope this blog has added in your knowledge base and it will be good to here from you about our platform that is created to find out best deer blogs and best deer feeders so, you can feed essential supplements to deer in the most effective manner. As always, I will recommend you to focus on the regulations of your state about feeders because in my state I am not facing any kind of restriction on feeders so, you should also gather information on it as well.