ARS | Publication request: Factors Affecting Corn Silage Quality

Submitted to: Conservacion De Forrajes De Alta Calidad Conservation Of High Quality Fora
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 19, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Corn silage is a relatively easy crop to ensile because of its high sugar content and low buffering capacity. This may lead some to believe that less careful attention to silage management is all right with corn. However, such notions are false. One key to success is to harvest at the right stage of maturity, 1/2 to 2/3 milkline, where yields and quality are high, and moisture content is appropriate for good ensiling. Good silo management is also needed to minimize the exposure of the silage to air, particularly because corn silage is susceptible to heating and spoilage. Steps that will help minimize spoilage include: rapid filling, packing to a high density, sealing well, maintaining the seal, and feeding out at a sufficient rate to minimize oxygen exposure.