Corn Silage Research Articles

Effects of replacing barley grain with corn grain on performance, rumen and blood parameters in dairy cows fed alfalfa hay or corn silage.

Different grain sources in the diet have shown varying effects on performance of dairy cows. Also, the variability in response to different starch sources is influenced by the type of forage used. This study investigates the combined effects of two forage (alfalfa hay vs. corn silage) and grain (barley vs. corn) sources on dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency, milk production and composition, apparent nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and ruminal metabolism of dairy cows. Eight second-parity early lactation Holstein cows (63 ± 5 d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Diets were iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous and were based on either corn (CG) or barley (BG) grains, and corn silage (CS) or alfalfa hay (AH). Diets with CS had more long (108 vs. 68 g/kg DM) and medium particles (369 vs. 331 g/kg DM), and thus, longer mean particle size (5.4 vs. 4.6 mm) compared to diets with AH. Cows fed BG had less DMI and lower actual and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield than CG-fed cows. The total tract digestibility of starch (952 vs. 987 g/kg) and crude protein (CP) (687 vs. 743 g/kg) were lower in CG cows than cows fed BG. Additionally, cows fed CG tended to have lower ruminal propionate concentrations than those fed BG, suggesting differences in ruminal fermentability between BG and CG. Milk fat content (30.6 vs. 29.2 g/kg) and ECM production (42.6 vs. 40.7 kg/d) tended to be greater in cows fed diets containing AH rather than CS. Furthermore, despite similar nutrient digestibility and total volatile fatty acid production, AH-fed cows had a higher ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio compared to those fed CS. Replacement of BG with CG improved performance by increasing DMI; however, the expected positive effects of substituting CS with AH in BG-based diets may be obscured by the impact of differences in forage particle size (PS). These results indicated that inclusion of CG might be an optimum choice for modulating ruminal condition and enhancing performance compared to BG during early lactation.

Tar spot impacts silage corn yield and forage nutritive value

AbstractSilage corn (Zea mays L.) in Michigan and the Great Lakes region is prone to an emerging foliar disease called tar spot (caused by Phyllachora maydis). When corn is infected with Phyllochora maydis, stromata develop on the leaves resulting in early senescence and drying. Therefore, to understand the effect of tar spot on forage yield, nutritive value, and predicted milk yield, field trials were conducted at multiple Michigan locations from 2021–2023. Field trials were arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments included hybrid resistance (one susceptible and one partially resistant hybrid) and three fungicide treatments using Delaro 325 SC at 8 oz acre−1 (non‐treated, one application at silking [R1], and two applications [one at R1 and second at dough stage]). Results showed that tar spot severity increased over time in silage corn. Fungicide application in susceptible hybrid had the lowest tar spot severity across all hybrids and fungicide treatments. Hybrid disease resistance resulted in 50% reduction of tar spot severity and contributed to a lower yield penalty. Reduction of tar spot severity due to hybrid disease resistance also minimized decline in neutral detergent fiber digestibility and predicted milk yield. Fungicide application reduced tar spot severity but did not affect dry yield and forage nutritive value. Overall, our study shows that tar spot reduces forage yield and nutritive value and requires an integrated approach to disease management.

Feeding behavior of Holstein and Jersey cows fed diets based on either alfalfa silage or corn silage at 2 forage fiber levels

Feeding behavior of Holstein and Jersey cows fed diets based on either alfalfa silage or corn silage at 2 forage fiber levels

Impacts of dairy forage management on soil carbon change and net-zero accounting.

The US Dairy Industry has pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050, but reliance on corn (Zea mays L.) silage as a primary forage source undermines progress toward this goal. Soils managed for corn silage production are a significant source of carbon (C) emissions to the atmosphere, with the soil C losses ranging from 3.7 to 7.0 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 (13.5 to 25.6 Mg CO2 ha-1 yr-1) reported in the literature. However, biogenic emissions from soil C loss are not typically represented within C-footprints or life cycle inventories. Using an example dairy farm, we demonstrate that including emissions associated with soil C losses under dairy forage production can increase the C-footprint of milk nearly 2-fold. We suggest that this approach represents a more accurate estimate of the emissions impact of milk production, and that gains in the GHG efficiency of milk have come, in part, at the expense of soil C where forage rotations are predominated by silage corn. The C balance of forage production systems can likely be improved with advanced manure management technologies and application strategies that return more manurial C to the soil while minimizing N and P loading. However, we argue that more extensive changes to forage cropping systems will also be required. Expanding the role of perennials and winter annual crops in forage rotations; breeding forages with greater yield, persistence, and deeper more extensive root systems; and additional creative solutions to retain more plant-derived C in soils are necessary to balance soil C budgets and achieve net-zero emissions targets.

Partial replacement of high-fiber forages with corn silage across the lactation cycle: effects on methane emission, rumen fermentation and efficiency in dairy cows

Partial replacement of high-fiber forages with corn silage across the lactation cycle: effects on methane emission, rumen fermentation and efficiency in dairy cows

Replacing rice straw with peanut vine and Broussonetia papyrifera silage in beef cattle feed reduced the use of soybean meal.

Replacing rice straw with peanut vine and Broussonetia papyrifera silage in beef cattle feed reduced the use of soybean meal.

Effects of sodium benzoate on the quality and aerobic stability of corn silage contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Effects of sodium benzoate on the quality and aerobic stability of corn silage contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Rumination Time in Relation to Reproductive Status in Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Partial Mixed Ration Based on Corn Silage

Rumination Time in Relation to Reproductive Status in Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Partial Mixed Ration Based on Corn Silage

Protease Supplementation in the Diet of Finishing Pigs: Implications on the Quality of Organic Fertilizers for Forage Production and Soil Chemical Composition

The study evaluated the inclusion of protease in the diet of pigs in the final phase, analyzing its effects on residues used as organic fertilizer (OF) for corn silage cultivation. Conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, the experiment had three phases: the use of protease in intensive pig production, production of OF—pig slurry (PS), and its application in corn silage cultivation. The inclusion of protease in the diet did not affect the final weight of the pigs, with a mean of 89.75 kg. The use of PS from this production system did not affect the forage mass (23.64 Mg ha−1). On the other hand, in the short term, PS without enzyme both at sowing and covering, biofertilizer with enzyme at sowing and urea at covering, and PS with enzyme both at sowing and covering increased magnesium levels in the soil, with values ranging from 1.40 to 1.44 cmolc dm−3. Although protease did not affect animal performance in the finishing phase, the waste produced by this production system influenced the soil’s chemical composition; furthermore, the use of PS from systems with or without enzymes could partially replace chemical fertilization.

Feeds prepared with domestic bio-preservative in feeding of lactating cows

In the context of the import substitution strategy, the preparation of bulk feeds for farm animals with domestic biopreservatives is an important task of food security of the state. Therefore, research aimed at creating environmentally friendly agents for preserving the quality and nutritional value of feed, in particular biopreservatives is of great importance. The purpose of the research was to study feed prepared with a domestic biopreservative in feeding of lactating cows. The biological preservative Silo Twice has been developed, researched and implemented under the conditions of the Middle Volga region, the use of which in alfalfa haylage and corn silage helped to optimize metabolism, increased milk productivity of cows and improved the technological properties of milk. The biological eff ectiveness of the infl uence of the biopreservative Silo Twice on improving the quality of bulk feed and ensuring their safety as well as the economic efficiency of the implementation of this ration has been established. Thus, the use of haylage with the biopreservative Silo Twice in the ration of lactating cows resulted in an increase in the level of profitability of milk production over 90 days of the experiment by 33.1 and 12.9 abs.%, and over 305 days of lactation by 32.8 and 18.0 abs.% compared to the control (without preservatives) and 1st experimental (with the biopreservative Sil All 4×4) groups. The use of silage with the biopreservative Silo Twice in the ration of lactating cows resulted in an increase in the profi tability of milk production for 90 days of the experiment by 39.4 and 19.6 abs.%, and for 305 days of lactation by 29.5 and 16.2 abs.%, compared to the control (without preservatives) and 1st experimental (with the biopreservative Sil All 4x4) groups. Within the framework of the priority direction of import substitution, in order to improve the financial and economic indicators of agro-industrial enterprises, it is recommended to use the biopreservative Silo Twice when preparing silage and haylage in the amount of 1 g per 1 t of ensiled raw materials, preliminarily diluted in water according to the instructions.

ESTIMACIÓN DE METABOLITOS SECUNDARIOS Y EMISIONES DE METANO EN ENSILADOS DE SORGO

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Feeding cattle in small-scale silage-based dairy production systems can improve their production efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. <strong>Objective</strong>. To determine the effect of partial replacement of corn silage with sorghum silage on the concentration of secondary metabolites in terms of Total Phenols (TP), Total Tannins (TT), and Condensed Tannins (CT), as well as to estimate methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. <strong>Methodology</strong>. The treatments were analyzed with a split-plot experimental design where the treatments (main plot) were; T1 = 50% sorghum silage cv Top Green + 50% corn silage, T2 = 50% sorghum silage cv Caña Dulce + 50% corn silage, T3 = 100% corn silage cv Cenzontle (control), and the measurement periods were the minor plots. <strong>Results</strong>. Inclusion of sorghum silage decreased enteric methane and carbon dioxide emissions (P<0.05), even though the concentration of phytochemical compounds among cultivars was not variable (P>0.05). <strong>Implications</strong>. Understanding the impact of changing forage chemical composition on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dairy systems is an important issue for mitigating climate change. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. The inclusion of sorghum silage in this study slightly reduced enteric methane and carbon dioxide emissions. Under these conditions, it is suggested that more information be provided on greenhouse gas emission factors and mitigation strategies in small-scale production systems.</p>

INTENCIÓN DE PRODUCTORES DE LECHE DE VACA PARA USAR ENSILADO DE MAÍZ, Y EL PAPEL DE LA RED DE AMISTAD EN LA COMUNICACIÓN DE LA INNOVACIÓN

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The adoption of agricultural technologies, such as maize silage is influenced by various factors, as highlighted by studies based on the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. These theories identify key determinants of technology adoption among small-scale dairy farmers in central Mexico, including characteristics like age, experience and production unit conditions. <strong>Objective:</strong> The aim of this work is to identify factors influencing small-scale dairy farmers to adopt corn silage and to explore the role of their friendship networks in spreading innovation. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The study was conducted in the municipality of Aculco, State of Mexico. The information was collected through a questionnaire administered to 106 farmers, who were selected through snowball sampling method. Farmers' intention and the three components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB): Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioural Control, were measured using a five-point Likert scale. A hierarchical multiple regression model was conducted to analysed the data. To identify the friendship network among farmers, a binary symmetric matrix was created. It is characterized by an equal number of rows and columns. Each cell contains a value of 1 or 0, where 1 indicates the presence of friendship and 0 indicates absence. The Social Network Analysis (SNA) identified key actors for innovation diffusion based on centrality measures such as degree, betweenness, and closeness. Results: Dairy farmers' intention to adopt maize silage were influenced by their beliefs about the innovation, social referents, age, and the number of lactating cows. A lack of knowledge and training was identified as a significant constraint. Additionally, 79% of farmers were involved in the friendship network. <strong>Implications:</strong> Two key nodes in the network were identified as potential drivers for disseminating information to other farmers. These individuals could play an important role in promoting maize silage adoption among those who have not yet implemented the innovation. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Farmers' intentions were shaped by beliefs, social referents, age, and the number of lactating cows. Additionally, friendship networks emerged as a valuable channel for communicating and spreading information about maize silage adoption, highlighting the importance of social connections in agricultural innovation.</p>

Technical factors affecting estimation of nitrogen balance of dairy cattle in climate respiration chambers.

Technical factors affecting estimation of nitrogen balance of dairy cattle in climate respiration chambers.

Biocontrol Activity of New Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolates Against Fusaria and Fusarium Mycotoxins.

As significant fungal pathogens of crops, Fusaria species contaminate various food and feed commodities. Some of the Fusarium spp. secondary metabolites (e.g., trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins) are widely known toxic molecules (mycotoxins) with chronic and acute effects on humans and animals. The growing demand for safer, pesticide-free food drives us to increase biological control during crop growing. Recent research suggests that lactic acid bacteria (LABs) as biocontrol are the best choice for extenuating Fusarium mycotoxins. Newly isolated LABs were tested as antifungal agents against Fusarium verticillioides, F. graminearum, and F. oxysporum. The characterized and genetically identified LABs belonged to Limosilactobacillus fermentum (SD4) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (FCW4 and CB2) species. All tested LABs and their cell-free culture supernatants showed antagonism on the MRS solid medium. The antifungal activity was also demonstrated on surface-sterilized wheat and peanuts. The germination test of corn kernels proved that the LAB strains SD4 and FCW4 significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced root and shoot development in plantlets while simultaneously suppressing the outgrowth of F. verticillioides. Small-scale corn silage fermentation revealed the significant effects of SD4 supplementation (decreased zearalenone, lower mold count, and total reduction of deoxynivalenol) within the mixed populations.

Maintaining Silage Corn Production Under Sodic Irrigation Water Conditions in a Semi-Arid Environment

The Zayandeh-Rud watershed of Iran has had water scarcity for decades, giving rise to pressures toward limiting water allocation for the agriculture sector. Marginal waters can be an alternative source for irrigated agriculture in water-scarce regions if adequately managed. One of the critical hazards for sustainable agriculture and the environment is the accumulated salinity–sodicity problem as a consequence of irrigating with unconventional waters. Applying additional water beyond the crop water requirement, known as leaching application, has been suggested as a solution to this problem. A physical model was built to investigate the effects of the severe sodicity and salinity conditions of irrigation water by creating 250 mm diameter soil columns (27 columns) filled with sandy clay loam soil. The severity of the irrigation water’s sodicity (sodium adsorption ratios (SAR): 5.27, 16.56, and 28.57) and its interactions with various leaching fractions (0%, 15%, and 30%) on critical soil chemical characteristics and corn yield were studied. Implementing a 30% leaching fraction reduced the SAR and salinity in the soil’s first layer (0–10 cm) when irrigating with saline–hyper-sodic water (SAR = 28.57 and ECiw = 9 dS/m). However, an elevated level of sodicity accumulation in the soil profile was observed, emphasizing the importance of adding calcium and magnesium amendments during the irrigation season. A noticeable increase in the efficiency of leaching applications in reducing accumulated salts and the sodicity level in the corn rootzone was detected with higher levels of irrigation water sodicity. The reduction in the accumulated salinity and sodium in the first soil layer due to implementing a 30% leaching fraction resulted in a 223.3% increase in the total biomass of silage corn. Applying a 30% leaching fraction also increased the corn biomass by 58% and 114.56% when irrigating with waters with 5.57 and 16.56 SAR values. The effectiveness of a 15% leaching fraction for enhancing the soil and crop conditions was significantly lower than that of the 30% leaching fraction. Nevertheless, in case of unavailability of sufficient water supply for irrigation purposes, applying a 15% leaching fraction could mitigate the consequences of sodic water irrigation. The results demonstrate that in the absence of the proper calcium amendments, the implementation of leaching management could still be effective in enhancing corn production under sodic water irrigation conditions.

Inversion of Soil Moisture Content in Silage Corn Root Zones Based on UAV Remote Sensing

Accurately monitoring soil moisture content (SMC) in the field is crucial for achieving precision irrigation management. Currently, the development of UAV platforms provides a cost-effective method for large-scale SMC monitoring. This study investigates silage corn by employing UAV remote sensing technology to obtain multispectral imagery during the seedling, jointing, and tasseling stages. Field experimental data were integrated, and supervised classification was used to remove soil background and image shadows. Canopy reflectance was extracted using masking techniques, while Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the linear relationship strength between spectral indices and SMC. Subsequently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), back-propagation neural networks (BPNNs), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were constructed to evaluate the applicability of these models in monitoring SMC before and after removing the soil background and image shadows. The results indicated that: (1) After removing the soil background and image shadows, the inversion accuracy of SMC for CNN, BPNN, and PLSR models improved at all growth stages. (2) Among the different inversion models, the accuracy from high to low was CNN, PLSR, BPNN. (3) From the perspective of different growth stages, the inversion accuracy from high to low was seedling stage, tasseling stage, jointing stage. The findings provide theoretical and technical support for UAV multispectral remote sensing inversion of SMC in silage corn root zones and offer validation for large-scale soil moisture monitoring using remote sensing.

Effects of Dietary Replacement of Alfalfa Hay With Corn Silage on Energy Utilization Efficiency and Metabolizable Energy Requirements in Crossbred Hu Ewes During Early Lactation.

We evaluated the effect of dietary substituting corn silage (CS) for alfalfa hay (AH) on feed intake, lactation performance, and energy utilization efficiency of crossbred Hu ewes. In a completely randomized experiment, 12 lactating crossbred ewes (3 ± 1.5 DIM) were fed one of three isoenergetic diets with forage-to-concentrate ratio of 70:30. The three experimental diets (CON, CS1, and CS2) were formulated by replacing AH with different levels of CS (0%, 30%, and 60%, respectively). Energy balance was determined through a metabolism and respiration trial. We observed identical trends for feed intake and gross energy intake (GEI); the GEI ranged from 0.97 to 1.34 (MJ/kg BW0.75 day) among the treatments. Around 26%-33% of the GEI was lost as feces, 56%-60% for heat production, 14%-16% for milk production, 5%-6% for methane emission, and 3% for urinary energy. The metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance of crossbred Hu ewe was estimated to be 484.7 kJ/kg body weight0.75/day. Furthermore, the energy digestibility and metabolizability of the CS diets were significantly greater than those of the CON diet. Substituting AH for up to 60% CS increased energy utilization efficiency without detrimental effects on milk production in crossbred Hu ewes fed a forage-based diet.

From wastewater to feed: Understanding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances occurrence in wastewater-irrigated crops.

Reusing treated wastewater for irrigation is a sustainable way to recycle nutrients and reduce freshwater use. However, wastewater irrigation inadvertently introduces per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into agroecosystems, causing concerns regarding potential adverse effects to ecosystem, animal, and human health. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathways by which PFAS accumulate in forage crops is needed. A greenhouse study was conducted to (1) quantify the contribution of root uptake versus foliar sorption of PFAS in corn (Zea mays) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), (2) assess effects of PFAS-impacted wastewater irrigation on plant health, and (3) determine the potential implications for bioaccumulation. The greenhouse study was composed of four treatments for each forage crop to isolate the relative contribution of two uptake pathways. Results suggested that foliar sorption was an unlikely contributor to PFAS concentrations observed in crop tissue. Root uptake was identified as the predominant uptake pathway. PFAS were detected more frequently in orchard grass samples compared to corn silage samples. Additionally, corn exhibited a lower uptake of long-chain PFAS compared to grass. Overall, no plant health effects on growth attributable to PFAS concentrations were observed.Forage data suggest cattle exposure to PFAS would be largely short-chain PFAS or long-chain "replacement" compounds(>50%). However, cattle may still be exposed to potentially harmful long-chain PFAS; levels in the forage crops exceeded the tolerable weekly intake set by the European Food Safety Authority. This study provides insights on PFAS entry into the food chain and potential implications for livestock and human health.

Long-term cropping system effects on soil organic matter fractions and enzyme activities in a cool oceanic climate

Information about soil organic matter fraction and enzyme activity responses to agricultural management may help guide decisions that sustain crop productivity and soil health. We measured carbon and nitrogen in bulk soil, mineral-associated organic matter, particulate organic matter, water-extractable organic matter, and the potential activity of β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminadase, acid phosphomonoesterase and arylsulfatase in three cropping systems after: 1) 21-years of conventional- or no-tillage silage corn monoculture (0-20-cm); and 2) six years of nitrogen fertilization with or without nitrification inhibitors and 3) nine years of 100 or 200% the recommended broadcast or fertigation nitrogen rate in two distinct mature highbush blueberry systems (0-15-cm). Soil organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, particulate organic nitrogen, water-extractable nitrogen and arylsulfatase activity were 17%, 38%, 50%, 25% and 68% greater, respectively, with no-tillage than conventional tillage. Particulate organic carbon accumulated with two decades of no-tillage, which increased soil organic carbon without altering mineral-associated organic carbon. Nitrification inhibitors did not impact any soil organic matter fraction or enzyme activity after six years in a mature highbush blueberry system. Broadcasted nitrogen led to higher soil organic carbon than fertigation, but excessive application (200% vs 100% rate) depleted soil organic carbon, accumulated reactive nitrogen and reduced potential activity of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminadase, acid phosphomonoesterase and arylsulfatase after nine years in a mature highbush blueberry system. Excessive nitrogen may deplete organic carbon and cause reactive nitrogen accumulation in soil of mature highbush blueberry systems. Intensive agricultural management has trade-offs for carbon and nitrogen cycling that should be balanced with sustainable crop production.

Comparative analysis of feeding strategies and post mortem aging time on the oxidative status and color of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle in Braford steers

The impact of corn silage supplementation and post mortem aging on the antioxidant status in longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle was assessed using micro-spectroscopic techniques. A total of 30 Braford steers were utilized in the study. Of these, 15 animals were supplemented with corn silage for 120 days, while the remaining animals were fed exclusively on pasture. LTL steak samples were aged for 2, 7, 14, and 21 days at a temperature of 2 ± 1°C, under conditions of darkness and vacuum. Several colorimetric assays were employed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic origin, as well as the levels of protein and lipid oxidation. The content of heme pigment was determined by a spectrophotometric assay, while the fluorescence fingerprint of beef was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy excitation-emission matrices (FEEM). Additionally, the muscle microstructure was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the finishing system did not exert any discernible influence on the rates of lipid oxidation, antioxidant capacity, or muscle microstructure. However, the carbonyl content and total myoglobin exhibited higher levels in the corn silage-supplemented animals. Conversely, during aging period, data revealed that lipid degradation proceeded at a faster rate than protein oxidation, accompanied by a notable enhancement in antioxidant capacity within the hydrophilic meat extracts. In contrast, the lipophilic extracts demonstrated a reduction in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capabilities with the progression of post mortem aging. The aforementioned alterations were accompanied by a reduction in the muscle microstructure during the aging process. The results demonstrate that finishing steers with or without corn silage over 120 days results in comparable and satisfactory beef quality after 21 days of vacuum aging. It can be concluded that 21 days of storage compensates the antioxidant status obtained by feeding strategies in fresh meat. Furthermore, SEM and FEEM techniques allowed for a precise evaluation of the microstructure and oxidative status, suggesting that these methods could be employed in future assays.