Corn silage is one of the major feed components for dairy cows due to its cost-effectiveness, good digestibility, and high-energy content. If managed properly, it will provide a nutrient-rich and consistent feed source that supports milk production and the overall health of cows. Corn silage’s actual value in dairy nutrition comes from both proper production and storage as well as the way it’s fed to cows.
Simply making silage does not guarantee results; its benefits are achieved only through proper management at every phase. The proper use of corn silage helps maintain cow health, reduces wastes, improves feed efficiency, and ensures better ROI (returns on investment). In this port, we’ll highlight the best practices for adding corn silage into cows’ diet, focusing on strategies that improve farm productivity, and animal performance. Top of FormBottom of Form
1-Harvest at the Right Stage of Maturity
Achieving good silage starts with proper harvest timing, which is essential for maintaining nutrition and ensuring effective storage. Timely harvesting minimizes nutrient losses and maximizes feed efficiency.
i-Dry Matter Content
1-Ideal Range is 32–35% dry matter (65–68% moisture).
ii-Fermentation Quality
1-Correct DM ensures proper fermentation
2-Reduces spoilage.
iii-Too Wet (<30% DM)
1-Animal Health Concerns
2-Nutrient Losses
iv-Too Dry (>38% DM)
1-Lower Starch Digestibility
2-Reduced Feed Efficiency
v-Yield vs quality /Consistent Testing
1-Better Ration Formulation
2-Maintains Feed Quality
2-Chop Length and Kernel Processing
Chop length and kernel processing are important factors in determining how cows utilize corn silage. The size of silage pieces affects how much cows chew, how their stomach works, and how much they eat, while breaking kernels properly helps cows digest more starch
i-Theoretical Length of Cut (TLOC)
1-Length of ½ to ¾ inch.
2-Shorter particles may lead to acidosis
ii-Kernel Processing
1-Improves starch digestibility.
2-Reducing energy availability to cows.
iii-Particle Size Distribution
1-Using a Penn State particle
2-Adjust chop size.
3-Ensure Proper Packing and Sealing
Good fermentation is achieved only when silage is packed firmly and sealed properly.
i-Packing Density
1-Silage should be tightly packed to eliminate oxygen, with a target density of at least 14 pounds of dry matter per cubic foot.
2-Promotes faster fermentation and prevents spoilage.
ii-Sealing
1-Use oxygen-barrier films or high-quality plastic covers to seal silage bunkers, piles, or bags.
2-Proper sealing prevents air and water from entering, reducing mold growth and dry matter losses.
iii-Edge Management
1-Pay special attention to edges
2-Weigh down covers with tires, sandbags, or gravel bags
4-Allow Adequate Fermentation Time
Proper fermentation time is necessary before corn silage can be fed to cows.
i-Fermentation Period
1-A minimum of 3–4 weeks
2-pH to drop to levels
ii-Nutrient Availability
1-Allowing silage to ferment
2-Making it more available to cows.
iii-Avoid Early Feeding
1-Cause digestive upsets
2-Reduce milk production.
5-Manage the Feed-Out Face Properly
High-quality silage risks losing nutrition if feed-out practice is not done properly.
i-Maintain a Smooth Face
1-Use specialized equipment
2-Minimize oxygen penetration
ii-Daily Removal Rate
1-Remove 6–12 inches of silage
2-Prevent heating and spoilage.
iii-Avoid Loose Silage
1-Loose silage exposed to air, as they spoil quickly.
2-Effective feed-out management
6-Balance Rations for Dairy Cow Needs
Corn silage offers good energy however, average protein, so adding other feeds is key to maximizing milk production.
i-Protein Supplementation
1-Since corn silage is low in crude protein (around 8–9%)
2-it should be paired with high-protein sources such as soybean meal, canola meal, or alfalfa.
ii-Fiber Balance
1-Corn silage provides digestible Fiber but may need to be supplemented with forages
2-Provides effective Fiber for rumen health.
iii-Minerals and Vitamins
1-Balance rations for calcium, phosphorus
2-Trace minerals to support milk production and reproduction.
iv-Dry Matter Intake (DMI)
1-Monitor cow intake closely, as silage quality
2-Chop sized, and moisture all affect how much cows consume.
7-Monitor Silage Quality Regularly
Ongoing monitoring ensures silage maintains its feeding value throughout the year.
i-Laboratory Testing
1-Regularly test for dry matter, starch, NDF
2-Fermentation profile (pH, lactic acid, acetic acid).
ii-Visual and Smell Check
1-Good silage should smell fresh
2-Slightly sweet, not moldy or musty.
iii-Adjust Feeding Based on Quality
1-Since silage quality can vary between layers or fields,
2-Adjust rations accordingly.
8-Train Farm Workers in Silage Management
A good silage plan is ineffective if workers lack proper training.
i-Consistent Practices
1-Train workers in proper chopping, packing, sealing,
2-Feeding techniques.
ii-Safety First
1-Silage bunkers and piles are dangerous.
2-Prevent accidents.
iii-Record Keeping
1-Document silage usage, quality observations
2-Feeding rates for better management decisions.
9-Consider Long-Term Strategies for Silage Use
Successful practices are not just short-term; they involve preparing for future seasons.
i-Crop Rotation and Fertility
1-Maintain soil health
2-Crop rotation for consistent yields.
ii-Hybrid Selection
1-Select corn hybrids bred for silage
2-Better Fiber quality.
iii-Storage Capacity
1-Enough capacity for year-round feeding & no overfilling
2-under-utilizing bunkers.
10-Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even skilled farmers sometimes make mistakes that lower the quality of silage. Some common mistakes are
