Corn silage is a valuable forage crop that provides livestock producers with a high-yielding, consistent source of energy. Proper harvest timing is key to storing high-quality corn silage.
The optimal moisture content at harvest depends on the type of silo you are using. For horizontal silos, the proper moisture is 65% to 70%. For conventional tower silos, the ideal moisture is 63% to 68%. If you have an oxygen-limiting silo, 55% to 60% is your best moisture. If you are using bag silos, your moisture goal should be 65%.
When the moisture content is correct, the silage can be adequately compressed, and the oxygen is removed quickly. This quick transition to an anaerobic environment promotes the development of lactobacillus bacteria, which are beneficial for fermentation.
At a lower moisture content, oxygen is not quickly excluded, and mold can grow and heat the silage. At a higher moisture content, clostridia bacteria begin to grow, and create silage that smells rancid and is less palatable.
There are a few ways to determine the moisture content of corn silage. One way is to estimate based on the maturity of the corn. For example, early dent stage corn should have a moisture content of 73%, one-half milkline corn should have a moisture content of 66%, three-quarters milkline corn should have a moisture content of 63%, and no milkline corn should have a moisture content of 60%.
Another way to determine the moisture content of corn silage is to use a moisture tester or forage quality lab. However, if you do not have access to these resources, you can estimate the moisture content using a scale and a microwave.
To use the microwave method, take a sample of corn silage and break it down into small pieces. Place the pieces in a microwave-safe container and heat them on high for 5 minutes. Remove the container from the microwave and weigh the contents. Then, return the container to the microwave for 1 minute and weigh it again. Continue heating and weighing the contents of the container until two consecutive weight measurements are the same. This is the dry matter content of your sample.
To calculate the moisture content of your sample, subtract the dry matter weight from the original weight and divide the result by the original weight. The resulting percentage is the moisture content of your sample.
If you discover that your corn silage is too dry, there are a few things you can do to improve its moisture content. One option is to add water to the silage. When adding water to silage, it is important to do so slowly and evenly to prevent the silage from becoming too wet. Another option is to use a liquid inoculant additive. Liquid inoculant additives can help to promote aerobic stability and decrease mold growth in silage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-chrisboswell
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn, Energy