Well I learn something today...atleast the flocks don't complain and eat it all up.
edit to add what AI says about it:
Corn can contribute to heat production in chickens, primarily through its high energy content.
Energy Source
- Corn is a carbohydrate-rich grain that provides energy.
- Chickens convert this energy into body heat during digestion and metabolism.
Thermoregulation
- In colder conditions, increased energy intake helps chickens maintain their body temperature.
- Feeding corn can be beneficial during winter months to support heat production.
Dietary Considerations
- While corn is a good energy source, it should be part of a balanced diet.
- Chickens also need protein, vitamins, and minerals for overall health.
Research Insights
- Studies indicate that energy-dense diets can enhance thermoregulation in poultry.
- However, the exact impact of corn on heat production may vary based on other dietary components and environmental factors.
In summary, corn can help chickens produce heat by providing essential energy, especially in colder climates.
Not to argue, but just showing it depends on the source: ChatGPT says this:
1. Corn does NOT create heat — digestion does, and corn is not a high-heat feed
Chickens produce heat through
specific dynamic action (SDA)—the heat generated by digesting food.
Proteins create the highest heat during digestion.
Carbohydrates (like corn) generate
very low digestive heat.
Hierarchy of heat produced during digestion:
Protein >> Fiber > Fat > Carbohydrate
Corn is almost entirely carbohydrate, so its heat of digestion is
minimal, not high.
2. The “heat” people talk about is
Corn is energy-dense, yes—but
energy = calories, not heat.
Feeding corn gives calories that
can be used to maintain body temperature but
does not itself cause extra heat the way protein digestion does.
If the bird is warm enough already, those calories are simply stored as
fat.
This is why:
- Corn fattens chickens.
- It doesn’t noticeably warm them.
3. Winter warmth comes from
If you fed:
- corn
- wheat
- barley
- oats
- or any other grain
…the bird gets calories to maintain body temperature.
Corn is not special. It’s just commonly fed.
4. Poultry nutrition science disproves the “corn makes heat” claim
Research consistently shows:
- Protein raises body temperature due to high SDA.
- Fat and carbs (corn is carb-heavy) produce little heat during digestion.
- Birds can maintain body heat in winter by eating more of any feed, not corn specifically.
So the claim misinterprets a real phenomenon (thermoregulation) but assigns the wrong cause (corn).
5. Where the myth started
Corn is often fed in winter because:
- It’s cheap
- It’s palatable
- Chickens gain fat from it
- Fat is insulation
People saw chickens stay warm when fed corn and assumed the
corn caused heat, but it’s actually:
More calories → more fat → better insulation,
not
Corn → heat production.
False claim: Corn helps chickens produce heat because it is energy-dense.
Facts:
- All feeds provide calories. Corn is not unique.
- Carbs generate low heat during digestion.
- Protein is what produces significant heat.
- Corn helps chickens stay warm only because it increases caloric intake, not because it generates heat itself.
