For silage, thick stalk rind means increased levels of lignin (the rigidity ingredient of the rind), which is very low in digestibility and may lower feed quality if excessive. Since corn silage is harvested at whole plant moistures of 63 percent to 69 percent or a kernel starch maturity of approximately 50 percent to 65 percent, late standability from thick rinds is not required for silage corn. The exception is dual-purpose hybrids that are more likely to be used for grain than silage. Low lignin and high NDF hybrids have improved digestibility.
Higher whole-plant moisture results at harvest with late plant health and staygreen silage. This occurs even with harvests when the grain is at 65 percent kernel starch. At this moisture level, corn silage is wet and will seep, especially in conventional silos or bags. For trench silos, the higher-moisture plant matter in staygreen hybrids can assist packing and silage fermentation. Hybrids that die and dry faster—before kernels reach 50 percent to 65 percent kernel starch—will better achieve ideal harvest moisture and forage quality if going into upright silos.
In corn silage, hard endosperm grain is usually associated with dual-purpose hybrids with relatively higher test weights. This vitreous starch type can be harder to digest and often require processing if harvested late. Large, soft, low-test-weight kernels that are easily broken in the silage-making process have higher rumen digestibility and availability. The leafy-gene hybrids produce this floury starch type kernel.
Harvest management is where our unified seed and feed teams can help producers connect the dots to improve their success. In addition, NutriSave™ forage management specialists can provide products, programs and hands-on training. Our company has the expertise and interest in helping you respond to today’s challenges. For example, we can help with inexpensive whole-plant and ear-moisture tests, which are two of the most important tools for properly timing harvest and previewing feed quality.
If the silage harvest window is missed, moisture and digestibility decrease because the grain is at or near black layer. Kernel processing should be considered to decrease particle size and help offset dry conditions. If silage is below 45 percent to 50 percent, whole-plant moisture, tonnage losses will result; slow, poor bunker fermentation occurs; and feed quality declines, even with kernel processing. Also, kernel processing dual-purpose corn silages with 65 percent kernel starch or less consumes time and money, usually without increased feed value. Leafy-gene hybrids extend the ideal harvest maturity window without relying on kernel processing