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Corn silage 2023: a great year
The difference with last year (2022) could not be greater. The corn then dried out in many places due to a lack of moisture at the right times. As a result, generally dry silages were harvested with relatively low starch content, high NDF and relatively low VCOS values.
In places where irrigation was possible, it was not too bad, but a lot of maize had to be harvested when ready in 2022. On average, we are talking about a starch content of 2022 grams for the year 345, with peaks of 300 to 370 grams.
Those who had room in their roughage harvested part of their corn as MKS or CCM or purchased extra standing corn to compensate for the starch content. Milking was therefore difficult for many livestock farmers. A lot of concentrates and/or by-products had to be purchased additionally to make the ration correct and even then it was sometimes difficult to achieve and maintain high production. In addition, a number of livestock farmers quickly ran out of corn, which meant that less corn had to be included in the ration or corn had to be purchased from the pit.
This year we see the real potential of our silo corn
Sufficient moisture and heat remain indispensable for corn cultivation. If we look at this year's analyses, we see that the starch content is significantly higher, namely 375 - 430 grams. We also see a lower NDF and higher VCOS values. The maize could be harvested in good conditions and the yield was generally much higher than last year. In many places the silo was even too small to ensile all the corn and it was once again decided to harvest part of the corn as MKS or CCM.
Be careful when transitioning from old to new corn
In new silage maize, the starch is a lot more resistant in the first few months than old maize. As ensiling progresses, the grain will become softer and contain more unstable starch.
Resistant starch is good for the cow, but excess is harmful. The proportion of resistant starch is not processed in the rumen, but at intestinal level. If too much resistant starch is fed, it enters the large intestine, which can cause intestinal acidification. However, feeding too much unstable starch poses a risk of rumen acidification.
You see a difference here with Flint x Dent and Dent x Dent varieties. Flint x Dent will contain a higher proportion of resistant starch at the beginning of ensiling than Dent x Dent. So keep these things in mind when switching from an old corn silage to a new one.
For more information please contact your regional KWS advisor.
