What Kind of Corn Is Best for Silage?

corn silage

Overview

The best corn silage is used in dual-purpose and high varieties that mature after some time, and grain varieties are best for silage due to flexibility.  Before harvest, the entire plant develops over time.

The statement is correct: high-yielding, dual-purpose hybrids that mature slightly later than grain-only varieties are often considered the best for silage because they offer flexibility and a longer harvest window.

Properties of ideal Silage Corn

Dual-purpose hybrid:

It provides a flexible crop design to harvest for whole-plant silage or grain. This hybrid is bred for high grain potential and has properties or characteristics like agronomic traits, good standability to produce high quality crop of silage. If you have complete operational requirements as per market demand or required for the event, then you can decide on harvest.

  • It provides flexibility like farmers can select according to market conditions and needs.
  • It provides in bulk with good potential and good Fiber content in all hybrid properties.
  • Due to good sustainability and disease tolerance, it becomes a good choice in difficult times.
  • It is also easy to manage it because it has no special requirements.

Brown Midrib Hybrids:

Brown midrib hybrid is a special type of corn variety that is developed with improved nutrient characteristics. BMR is most important options or beef producers and dairy farmers who need high-quality silage for animals.

  • BMR was first discovered in sorghum and then known as Corn
  • It has lower lignin in the tissues of the plant, which is complex Fiber and provides a wall, but not easy to digest. BMR provides extra energy in the same feed to animals with Fiber.
  • Nowadays, many companies provide BMR corn hybrids because it is easy to digest and more palatable.
  • BMR provides multiple benefits that make farmers live easy. But one issue is that it is costly.
  • BMR hybrid can manage fertility harvesting practice, and pest control system. No loss.

Dent Corn (Field Corn)

Dent corn is also field corn is used for silage production. It has high starch content. Dent corn is important because it will provide energy, so it is the best choice for beef cattle. Dent corn is particularly cultivated and used for industrial purpose, and animal feed. It includes ethanol, cornmeal and Strach.

  • It has high starch content that provides energy to dairy animal so highly used for cows that gives milk.
  • Dent corn has perfect mixture of moisture and sugar which is reason of efficient fermentation. It improves palatability and nutrients as long-term feed source.
  • Good Fiber and energy make it high quality silage and yield.
  • It provides a balanced feed like a mixture of protein, Fiber, and starch.
  • If the weather is hot, then this type is considered best things and includes height of plant (8-12 ft), adaptability, disease resistance, and consistency.
  • It contains
  • Dry Matter: 30–35%
  • Crude Protein: 7–9%
  • Starch: 30–40%
  • Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): 40–45%

Flint Corn

It is also called Indian corn, which is the oldest type of corn cultivated in the world. This type has a hard external layer and bright coloured kernels that are available in blue, red, orange, and yellow.

  • It is available in cooler climate and challenging environment conditions.
  • Flint is an important crop for both animal and food production
  • Inner portion of plant is soft, and outer layer is hard. The overall structure makes it durable.
  • Its vibrant colour shows different shades like a multi-coloured pattern.
  • It has excellent cold tolerance and is ideal for hilly regions.
  • It is produced in a wide range of industrial, feed, and agricultural purposes.
  • 10–11% protein
  • 65–70% carbohydrates (mostly starch)
  • Low fat content (about 4–5%)
  • High levels of antioxidants, especially in colored varieties

Characteristics of Good Silage Corn

  • Plant Height and Leafiness: If the plant is taller, then it will produce a good silage yield.
  • Kernel to Stover Ratio: It’s balanced characteristics are everything, like both Fiber and high energy.
  • Moisture Content: The accurate ratio is between 60-70%. No loss in return
  • Digestibility: Extremely good! Easy to digest due to Fiber content
  • Disease and Pest Resistance: Consistent feed quality and disease-resistant plants.