Ask the Silage Dr: Transportation

Q.        I need to minimize moisture content in wet corn silage transported long distances. I"m considering mixing 110 lbs. of molasses with 2,204 lbs. of wet corn stalks and an inoculant inside the silo. Then, I plan on taking 1,543 lbs. of the fermented corn stalks and mixing in 441 lbs. of rolled corn and 220 lbs. of soybean hulls. Would the resulting mix provide the same results as typical corn silage?

A.         The dry matter (DM) of the finished corn silage replacer combination will be close to 60% with 7.8% to 8% crude protein, 46% to 48% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, 20% to 22% starch and 0.65 Nel MCal per lb DM. There may be some natural variation within the ingredients.

This combination would make a useful silage replacer combination with lower starch content for dairy cow rations. The use of soybean hulls is a nice feature to add some digestible NDF.

It"s a good choice to add an inoculant with an enzyme package during ensiling, especially when the resulting product will be transported long distances and spoilage could be a concern. An inoculant with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains can help ensure silage pH drops rapidly and will help prevent growth of yeasts and clostridial fermentation. Enzymes can help fuel the LAB, which may provide enough energy that the molasses would not be required. Plus, adding an inoculant containing Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 will help reduce yeast activity and spoilage during feedout. L. buchneri 40788 has been reviewed by the FDA to help prevent heating and spoilage.

I hope this information helps.

Sincerely,

The Silage Dr.

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