Hybrid Quality for Corn Silage

Selecting corn silage hybrids has traditionally been selected based on factors such as grain yield, stock strength and disease/pest resistance. While these factors are important, more focus should be placed on the nutritional quality of the hybrid. Emphasis on silage yield and digestibility will contribute to a more sustainable and productive operation.

Silage yield should meet the forage requirements of an operation. When choosing a corn silage hybrid the corn heat unit (CHU) rating should be considered, choosing the appropriate variety for a region will allow the crop to reach maturity before frost. A CHU calculator is available at the top of our homepage.

The digestibility of a corn silage hybrid is difficult to determine. Many factors affect the amount of digestible energy, such as: the amount of starches and sugars it contains, kernel texture and the amount/digestibility of its fiber.

More research needs to be done on this topic in order to have a better understanding of the corn silage hybrids available to farmers. By identifying certain qualities of each hybrid producers will be able to make the right choice for their operation. This is turn can reduce production costs without compromising animal performance.

SCIANS has listed this topic in it's research priorities for 2010.