Dairy cows can use the starch component in corn silage more effectively when the kernels are processed at harvest — and improved starch utilization results in improved animal production.
The ideal wilt window when harvesting small-grain forages for silage is at least 32% dry matter (DM), and preferably to greater than 35% DM, following mowing. Hitting this critical wilt window is important.
A well-constructed silage pile can be one of the most economical choices for storing forage. However, drive-over piles can be difficult to pack and result in lost dry matter (DM).
