How to Ensure High-Quality Corn Silage
Farmers are always looking for ways to save on feed. This comes as no surprise since feed accounts for the largest share of production costs.
It is important, however, that in their quest to lower feed costs they don’t sacrifice production. One way to make sure that this doesn’t happen is to include a greater percentage of high-quality forage in rations.
Corn silage contains grain and forage. This allows for dense energy from kernels and rumen-stimulating fiber from husks, leaves and stalks. High-quality corn silage begins with the correct hybrid selection, careful management in the field and correct packing and covering. Specifically, quality corn silage comes down to five key elements:
- Moisture content: To determine the proper time to harvest corn silage, moisture content is critical. The ideal moisture content is 65, give or take a few percent. Silage with more than 70 percent moisture means bacteria can develop, which leads to higher dry matter and reduced palatability. Lower than 60 percent moisture means silage will be more difficult to pack and leads to more air in the material. This can result in low density as well as mold and yeast growth.
- Cut length: Silage cut too coarse will lead to packing difficulty. Processed silage should be about three-fourth of an inch. Non-processed silage should be one-fourth to one-half of an inch.
- Kernel processing: The outer layer of the kernels limit microbe access to the starch in a kernel. Kernel processing scores can be determined by a forage lab. Scores from 50 to 70 are acceptable but over 70 is ideal. Quick monitoring during harvest can be difficult but, in general, every cup of kernels should have less than one or two damaged kernels.
- Packing: Tight packing coupled with total sealing creates an environment ideal for the bacteria responsible for fermentation. It is a good idea to calculate packing capacity before harvest. The target density is 15 pounds per dry matter per cubic foot or more.
- Covering: Always cover silage with an oxygen barrier film and black and white plastic. This will minimize dry matter and nutrient losses. You also may want to consider lining bunkers with plastic. Extra weight on covered silage also is a good idea.
Of course there are always some elements, for example, the weather, that are beyond a producer’s control. However, the practices listed above will have a significant impact on silage quality.
The Hay Manager
Cattle, Cow Hay Feeders | Horse Hay Feeders | Sheep Hay Feeders
Calf Life Saver | Gate Release Timer | Mineral Feeder
For over 17 years, The Hay Manager has been innovating and improving hay management tools to the farming industry. Besides manufacturing round bale feeders.