Corn Silage Production Dr. Chad Lee Grain Crops Extension Specialist University of Kentucky

Drought-Stressed Corn: Silage is an Option Drought-stressed corn that is unlikely to resume growth should be ensiled. 85 to 100% of the normal net energy content. May contain more crude protein. May contain high nitrate concentrations, especially in the lower third of the plant. Do not feed until at least 3 weeks after the silo has been filled.

Corn Silage: Nitrate Caution % Nitrate (NO 3 ) in Dry Matter Feeding Instructions 0.0 – 0.44% Safe to feed – 0.88% Limit to 50% of total dry ration for pregnant animals – 1.50% Limit to 25% of total dry ration. Avoid feeding pregnant animals. Over 1.50% Toxic. Do not feed. At high enough concentrations, nitrates are poisonous to cattle. The ensiling process will decrease nitrates by 30 to 50%.

Corn Silage Harvesting Milk line is ½ to ¾ down the kernel. Leaves above the ear should be mostly green. Dry matter content should be near 35%, slightly less for storage in bunkers, trenches, or stacks. Silage should be chopped into lengths of approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch. 1/2 3/4

Corn Silage Storage Any structure that preserves the green and moist forage in the absence of air and water. Silo Bunker Bags

Corn Silage Moisture: Microwave Test Collect a representative sample of fresh plants. Chop the plants in 1 to 2 inch pieces. Weight a sample (about 3 to 4 oz or 100 g) Spread the sample uniformly and thinly over a microwave safe dish and place in oven. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes and weigh. Heat for 30 seconds and reweigh. Repeat until two weight recordings are similar. If the sample chars, use the previous weight. Calculate the percent moisture. % moisture = fresh wt – final wt. fresh wt X 100 [ ]

Corn Silage Moisture: Grab Test Condition of forage ball Approx. Dry Matter Content Holds shape and there is considerable free juiceBelow 30% Holds shape but very little free juice25 to 30% Falls apart slowly and there is no free juice30 to 40% Ball falls apart rapidlyAbove 40% Squeeze a handful of green chop as tightly as possible for 90 seconds to make a forage ball.

Corn Silage: Production Planting Date –April 1 to May 1 in western Kentucky –April 15 to May 15 in eastern and central KY –Soil temperatures should be above 50 o F at a 2- inch depth for 3 or 4 days Planting Depth –1 ½ - 2 inches (depending on moisture and temp)

Corn Silage: Production Planting Population –24,000 to 30,000 seeds/acre –increase of 2,000 seeds/acre over grain corn Row Width –30 inches Fertility –Follow AGR-1: Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations

Corn Silage vs. Grain Production Increase plant populations by about 2,000 seeds/A compared to grain corn. Add more pounds of potash per acre compared to grain corn (see AGR-1). Use a full- to late-season, high grain producing hybrid.

Silo Gases: Caution Lethal gases - greatest danger is between 12 to 72 hours after filling. Run the blower. Stay out of the silo for at least one week after filling. Keep doors closed between silos and barns. Any experience of the slightest throat irritation or coughing requires immediate medical attention.

Nutrient Sampling for Feed Quality Collect a couple handfuls of each load of silage that is being unloaded. Keep the samples out of sunlight. Mix the samples together. Keep refrigerated until sent off for analysis.

Silage Publications AGR-79: Producing corn for grain and silage ID-139: A comprehensive guide to corn management AGR-1: Lime and fertilizer recommendations AEU-41: Temporary silage storage ID-86: Using drought-stressed corn: harvesting, storage, feeding, pricing

Corn Hybrid Types Dual-Purpose –Normal corn hybrids used for grain and/or silage NutriDense –Slightly higher oil and protein content in the kernel Waxy –100% amylopectin (believed to be more digestible) Leafy –Have more leaves above the ear than normal hybrids BMR –Lower lignin content than normal corn, making it more digestible

No-Till Silage Project Four hybrids –Dual Purpose –Nutri-Dense –Waxy –Leafy Three Populations –22,000 –27,500 –33,000 Two N Fertility Levels –AGR-1 –Yield Goal

Hybrid effect on yield a a a b

N RateCrude Protein (lbs/acre)(%) Green ChopSilage b7.71b a8.17a LSD (0.05)

Corn Yields Lexington, 2003 HybridTypeSilage Yield (Tons/A) Ear:Stover (Ratio) ES112 Dual Purpose a ES213ND Nutri- Dense a F2F797 Leafy (TMF) a 8464wx Waxy a Note: Interactions between population, fertility and replication prevent statistical comparison of hybrids for silage yield.

Corn Yields Lexington, 2003 HybridTypeSilage Yield (Tons/A) Grain Yield (Bu/A) ES112 Dual Purpose ES213ND Nutri- Dense F2F797 Leafy (TMF) wx Waxy Note: Interactions between population, fertility and replication prevent statistical comparison of hybrids.

No-Till Silage Data is being analyzed for second year of research.