Effects of maize processing on diet selection was studied in 12 fistulated dry cows. Subexperimental period was repeated twice (8 animals/treatment) and lasted 20 days. Treatments allowed selection between roughage and processed maize: (CG) coarsely-ground, (FG) finely-ground and (SF) steam-flaked. Urea was used with sugar cane (10% of crude protein) to avoid N influence over selection. Intake of maize in SF was 45.1 and 42.1% lower than in CG and FG, decreasing total DM and TDN intake, and increasing NDF intake. However, degradable starch intake did not differ. Animals were able to recognize differences among maize physical characteristics.