Immature Corn Silage
September 20, 2013
Dr. Larry Chase from The Department of Animal Science offers the following tips for dealing with immature corn silage:
- Immature corn silage will vary both in nutrient composition and dry matter content. Typically, it will be higher in crude protein, NDF and sugar but lower in starch than “normal” corn silage.
- Dry matter content will usually be low (< 30% DM) in immature plants. Ensiling wet corn silage can result in unusual fermentations and the resulting silage may cause decreased dry matter intake when fed to cows.
- Try to hold off on harvest until whole plant dry matter is > 32-34%.
- Forage analysis is essential to characterize the immature corn silage on your farm and determine how it can best be used in dairy rations.
- The energy value will probably range from 80-95% of normal corn silage.
- The economic value will be about 85% of normal corn silage before adjusting for dry matter content.
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2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
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While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.