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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #105693

Title: CORN SILAGE PROCESSING IN TODAY'S DAIRY OPERATIONS

Author
item Satter, Larry
item WU, Z - UNIV OF WISCONSIN MADISON
item MOREIRA, VINICIUS - UNIV FED DE VICOSA BRAZIL

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Processing or roller milling of corn silage can have a modest economic benefit, primarily through its crushing action on the corn kernel. Starch digestibility of corn silage is normally increased slightly with processing. The other very noticeable effect is that cob pieces are broken so cows cannot separate them out in the feed bunk, resulting in more cob consumption. Factors that influence the value of processed corn silage include maturity at time of harvest and machine setting. Processing will not prevent the decline in corn silage quality when harvested too late (too dry), but will tend to moderate the negative effects of tardy harvest. Theoretical length of chop should be lengthened from a `normal' length of 3/8" to a longer chop of 3/4". Passage through the roller mill tends to shorten particle length. By lengthening to 3/4" overall particle size is changed relatively little due to processing, and power requirements are not taltered much. The roller mill should have a gap of about 1 to 2 mm. Processing of corn silage appears to be a viable service for custom operators to offer, and a profitable management option for large dairy operations.