Maize Corn Silage
Corn that is chopped for silage will generally tensile very efficiently. The high level of carbohydrates helps ensure that an abundance of lactic acid for preservation will be produced. If conditions for chopping or storing the silage are not ideal, fermentation may be delayed, causing a loss in forage quality. In these situations, silage additives have been recommended to improve the fermentation of the silage. It is important to remember that silage additives are not a replacement for good management. Paying attention to moisture content, chopping, packing, etc., still are the most important factors when producing corn silage. Three types of compounds that can generally be added to corn silage when it is going into a silo are:
A. Bacterial inoculants
B. Acids
C. Non-protein nitrogen sources.
Conclusion
Corn silage is a high-quality feed that contains a high concentration of energy. It yields a high tonnage per acre, is easy to mechanically mix and feed, and can be preserved for long periods of time. Paying attention to the details listed above on growing, harvesting and storing silage will help ensure a valuable, high-quality crop.
