Author
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Satter, Larry |
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Submitted to: Journal Dairy Science Supplement
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The use of roller mills (kernel crackers, kernel processors) on forage harvesters used for corn silage are commonplace in parts of north Europe. The widespread use of custom harvesters in Europe has made it easier to justify the added machine expense for kernel processing. The potential for benefit from kernel processing is greater with more mature corn (<65% moisture), longer chop length, and high inclusion rates of corn silage in the diet. Variety of corn and differences in growing conditions can also influence efficacy of roller milling. The increased attention that corn breeders are paying to rapid dry-down of grain and stay-green characteristics of the vegetative part of the corn plant may be increasing chances of benefit from kernel processing of corn silage in North America. Livestock producers and researchers report processing of corn silage results in decreased corn grain in the manure, fewer cob pieces left in the efeed manger, and increased milk production. Kernel processing should also increase the harvest window for corn silage, and facilitate a longer chop to increase effective fiber without compromising ensiling characteristics of the plant material. Based upon a summary of seven lactation trials comparing rolled with unrolled corn silage, feeding rolled corn silage resulted in a .64 kg increase in daily milk production. If roller mill equipment costs $10,000-15,000, either as a stationary mill at the silo blower or as part of the forage harvester, then small herds (less than about 50 cows) may not be able to support this level of investment. If this cost is spread over more cows, as in a larger herd or via custom corn silage harvest, potential for benefit appears good. |
