Ensiling can only preserve what is already present in the crop. This is especially important because starch, while not a required nutrient for cattle, is an economical source of net energy for the cow and a source of fermentable energy for rumen microbes, providing metabolizable protein. Both energy and starch are required nutrients for cows. Therefore, timely planning must be done before beginning the harvest of corn silage.
One of the most important factors to consider when harvesting corn silage is dry matter. As the plant matures and harvest approaches, begin walking the fields and tracking conditions so that timely harvest plans can be made. Every year and each acre are different and present diverse conditions
When monitoring fields, a quick moisture estimate can be done by breaking a cob in half and looking at the kernels within. The milk line — an apt name for the white color line on the kernel — will move from the outer edge of the kernel toward the cob. Harvest should typically begin when the milk line reaches the halfway mark — i.e., when half of the kernel is milky and the other half is doughy. It is important to note that the milk line should only provide a rough estimate point and should not be relied upon solely to determine moisture content. Many other factors, including field location, planting date, hybrid and weather, can affect the milk line and its relationship to whole plant dry matter. Whole plant moisture will typically change by 0.5 units per day and can change up to 1.0 units in dry conditions, so plants must be monitored closely as they begin to reach optimal dry matter.
Harvesting before corn reaches optimal moisture will result in.
.Decreased yield per acre
.Decreased starch deposition
.Poor silage fermentation
.On the other hand, delaying harvest will result in
.Reduced fiber digestibility
.Reduced starch digestibility
.Poor packing density
.Increasing the incidence of mold and spoilage
Factors affecting corn plant moisture and dry down rate in the field are:
.Geographic location
.Stage of maturity.
.Hybrid.
.Crop management.
.Soil type.
.In order to reach maximum fermentation and compaction
.There are variations in desired dry matter concentration among storage structure.
.jpg )
