Corn is a widely grown crop in the world and plays an important role in the production of dairy animals. Farmers, whether working on a small scale or large scale, know with its unique advantages and applications- they should know the difference between corn silage and corn grain. It is good as we can make a decision that optimizes both animal nutrition and yield.
What is Corn Silage?
Corn silage is whole plant corn that is harvested but remains green due to high moisture, around 70 percent. The whole plant is chopped into small pieces and stored in plastic bags, bunkers, and silos. It is preserved in the fermentation process as making it nutritious and digestible, especially for beef cattle and cows.
The basic aim of corn silage is to provide a high-energy feed source that is easy to digest and rich in Fiber. It is different from grain, which is also starch, and silages contain husks, leaves, and stalks. Silage provides both protein and Fiber with carbohydrates. It develops an excellent base for TMR (Total mixed rations).
What are Benefits of Corn Silage?
- High Energy Content: Corn silage provides energy in the form of carbohydrates, which is important for dairy cows.
- Fiber Source: The stalk portion provides digestible fiber and helps maintain animals’ health.
- Flexibility in Harvesting: Farmers also harvest silage at the right stage for both nutrient content and yield, particularly kernels help in a steady supply.
- Preservation: After the fermentation process, silage is stored for some months without loss of its preserved nutrients. It ensures availability throughout the year.
- Cost-Effective: Silage occupies less space or land (area) for production compared to grain production, so it is cost cost-effective source.
Nutritional Composition
It depends on some factors, including harvest time, hybrid type, and soil fertility. It supports faster weight gain in animals. Its balanced diet is helpful for animals for weight gain and keeps animals active with a good level of proteins and minerals. Due to its nutritional health, it keeps animals healthy and maintains overall body health.
Typically, corn silage contains:
- 30 to 35% dry matter
- 70 to 75% moisture content
- 8 to 10% crude protein
- High levels of digestible carbohydrates
The above-mentioned ratio makes it ideal for both Fiber and energy. It is for a proper digestive system, meat, and milk production.
What is Corn Grain?
Corn grain is developed from kernels of the corn plant, harvested if matured properly, and then farmers dry it (about 15% moisture content. It is the most important crop and is used as a cover crop for many other important crops. It is used to make ethanol. Oil and flour. For animals, it gives energy and is important for its high starch content. It provides energy to beef cattle, dairy cows, poultry, and pigs. It can be fed whole, ground, rolled, and cracked. No stalk and leaves area added, so it provides less Fiber.
. Benefits of Corn Grain
- High Energy Source: Corn grain provides concentrated energy, ideal for weight gain in beef cattle and high-producing cows.
- Storage and Shelf Life: It is first dried properly and then stored for some months, even a year, without any nutrient loss. It is also affordable for farmers if they can afford expensive feed items available in the market.
- Versatility: Grain is used for human food, industrial purpose,s and dairy animals. It can be fed directly, but processed for feed for dairy animals.
- Predictable Nutrient Content: It has low Fiber content, digestibility, consistent nutrient profile (moderate level of protein, & starch). This consistency makes it much easier to create accurate and balanced diets for different types of livestock, helping nutritionists meet their specific nutritional needs reliably.
Nutritional Composition
Corn grain is rich in starch and relatively low in fiber. It includes:
- 86-88% dry matter
- 8-10% protein
- 70-75% starch
- Minimal fiber
Corn grain has carbohydrates, provides required energy with fats, Vitamins B & C, Fiber, minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which is gluten-free and lacks important acids like tryptophan and lysine. It also offers antioxidants like phenolic acid and carotenoids.
Macronutrients (Per 100g, approximate)
- Calories: ~365 kcal (dry grain)
- Carbohydrates: ~74 g (mostly starch)
- Protein: ~9-10 g (low quality, lacks essential amino acids)
- Fat: ~4-5 g (mostly unsaturated)
- Fiber: ~7-10 g (insoluble fiber)
Vitamins & Minerals (Key Sources)
- Vitamins: Thiamine (B1), Folate (B9), Niacin (B3), Vitamin B6, Vitamin C (sweet corn), Vitamin E, Vitamin K
- Minerals: Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Iron
Other Components
- Phytochemicals: Lignans, phenolic acids, phytic acid, plant sterols, saponins, carotenoids (beta-carotene in yellow corn).
- Gluten-Free: Corn is naturally free from gluten.
Characteristics
- Energy Source: High in starch, making it a significant energy source.
- Incomplete Protein: Lacks sufficient lysine and tryptophan, often requiring supplementation for livestock or balanced human diets.
- Variability: Nutritional content differs between sweet corn (higher sugar, water) and field corn (higher starch, protein).
Differences Between Corn Silage and Corn Grain
| Feature | Corn Silage | Corn Grain |
| Plant Part Used | Whole plant (stalk, leaves, husk, kernels) | Only kernels |
| Moisture at Harvest | 65-70% | 15-20% |
| Primary Nutrient | Fiber + carbohydrates | Starch (high energy) |
| Storage | Fermented in silos or bags | Dried and stored in bins or silos |
| Feeding Use | Ruminants (dairy and beef cattle) | Ruminants, pigs, poultry |
| Harvest Timing | Milk/dough stage | Full maturity |
| Fiber Content | High | Low |
| Energy Density | Moderate | High |
| Preservation | Fermented for months | Stored dry for long periods |
Muhammad Arif CEO, MBA in Finance and Marketing from South Korea University. 15 years plus experience in Agriculture Waste and Animal Feed Production, Facility Management & Export