![]() ![]() Corn silage that is chopped too fine or over-processed passes through the rumen too quickly, leading to reduced feed efficiency. This is critical to stimulate rumination, increase milk production, and augment growth rates. Forage particles need to be long enough to float in the rumen and maintain the rumen fiber mat. Particle size at harvest depends on knife sharpness, harvest speed, shear bar setting and crop moisture. If the silo is properly packed and sealed, this phase lasts until the silo is opened and silage again comes in contact with oxygen. When the pH reaches approximately 4.0, the bacteria die and the silage begins the stable phase (phase 4). As the bacteria grow, they use plant sugars and produce lactic and acetic acids, the accumulation of which reduces the pH of the forage. Fermentation (phase 3) begins as the anaerobic lactic acid bacteria begin to grow and rapidly multiply. Almost immediately plant cell membranes break down, allowing cell juices to become a growth medium for anaerobic bacteria. If the silo is well-packed, the amount of available oxygen is minimal and soon the lag phase (phase 2) begins. In the aerobic phase (phase 1), oxygen trapped in the air spaces of the silage mass is consumed by plant respiration and aerobic microorganisms. There are four basic phases in the ensiling process. The high palatability of corn silage encourages feed intake which contributes to higher milk yields, greater weight gains and additional farm profits. Properly harvested and stored, corn silage is extremely palatable, superior to other forages in energy content, a great fiber source, and relatively consistent in quality. Utah growers produce approximately 990,000 tons of corn silage annually, providing important forage in livestock and dairy diets. Chopping and Storing Quality Corn Silage Introduction ![]()
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