Michelle Chang-Der Bedrosian Published 7:31 p.m. CT Aug. 17, 2020
It's almost time to chop silage. Use these tips to get the optimum value our of your crop.(Photo: Colleen Kottke/Wisconsin State Farmer)
Much of the Midwest will be chopping corn silage in the next couple of weeks.These six steps can help you put up high-quality feed while limiting your potential for shrink and spoilage.
1. Cut at the right maturity and moisture.The ideal moisture content for corn silage is 65% to 68% (32% to 35% dry matter (DM)).
2. Keep tabs on the chop length.The ideal chop length is largely dependent on moisture, and is critical to adequate particle length in the TMR. A good rule of thumb is a theoretical length of cut (TLOC) between 16 and 20 mm (5/8 to 3/4 inch). Evaluate chop length several times during harvest and adjust as needed.
3. Process well.Good corn kernel processing means breaking it into at least four separate pieces. Drier corn silages will require a higher corn silage processing score (CSPS).
4. Use a proven inoculant.A high-quality and proven inoculant is an essential component of a solid forage program. Vita PlusCrop-N-Richforage inoculant with MTD/1 technology promotes a more efficient fermentation and improves DM recovery. Research has also shown improved DM intakes and milk production with Crop-N-Rich-treated forages. If spoilage and heating are concerns, consider using an inoculant containingL. buchneri40788, such asCrop-N-Rich Stage 2.
5. Pack well and cover.Packing densities less than 15 pounds per cubic foot are subject to a DM loss of greater than 15%. Know your packing tractor weight and fill rate to help you achieve adequate density. Quickly cover bunkers or piles with an oxygen barrier plastic, such asSilostop, to help protect all the work and money you invested in the crop.
6. Allow for adequate storage time.Ideally, corn silage should sit in the silo untouched for at least three months before feeding to get the most milk per ton. This makes starch more available to rumen micro-organisms.
Finally, remember to work safely throughout all of harvest.I wish you all success as you begin this year's harvest!
Michelle Der Bedrosian(Photo: VitaPlus)
Dr. Michelle Chang-Der Bedrosian is a Vita Plus forage products and dairy technical service specialist.
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6 ways to get the most from your corn silage - Wisconsin State Farmer
