By Lisa Davis, MS – Dairy Product Manager
In some years, growing and harvest conditions result in a corn silage crop that is drier than optimal (>38% DM). Dry corn silage presents several challenges to lactating cows and can lead to variable or reduced intakes and milk production. Below is a brief summary of the challenges of dry corn silage:
| Concern | Effect | QLF Application |
| Reduced NDF Digestion (by 23-33%)
Reduced Starch Digestion (by 6-10%) |
Reduced Rumen-available CHO
Reduced Rumen bug growth Reduced Rumen N utilization, & efficiency Reduced DMI, Milk |
Provide sugars and degradable protein to increase rumen microbial growth & efficiency
Increase NDF Digestion & VFA production Increase DMI, Milk, & Milk Components Deliver nutrients & specialty additives to complement precision feeding & enhance efficiency |
| Poor Corn Silage Stability | Aerobic Fermentation
Extended heating Increased Yeast & Mold Growth Reduced Nutrient content Reduced TMR Stability Reduced DMI & Milk Fat |
Provide concentrated source of nutrients to TMR
Reduce ration sorting Increase TMR palatability, & daily intake consistency Deliver TMR Preservative to extend bunk life (MYCO CURB®, Ultra CURB®) |
Linn & Allen (2000). U of Mn Extension Report;
Bal et al. (2000). Anim. Fd. Sci. & Tech. 86:83-94.
While QLF Liquid Supplements can help improve rumen efficiency when dry corn silage is fed; don’t forget that supplemental sugar increases fiber digestion of high-quality forages also! Please contact your QLF representative for more information.