Improving quality of silage thanks to hybrids and inoculants
Selecting suitable hybrids of crops and improving silage management, to increase nutrient efficiency and deliver high quality feed to cows.
Last updated on March 24th, 2023
In collaboration with Yara, Corteva
Why does it matter?
Corn is a high yielding crop that is widely used by farmers to produce silage. To achieve optimal silage quality, it is important to have a complete nutrient supply during crop growth. The silage quality has a direct influence on the cow’s ability to digest the silage. Enhancing digestibility improves nutrient efficiency and milk yield, which has a positive impact on the carbon footprint associated with milk production.
How did we solve this?
We achieved higher corn yields by planting specific hybrid varieties based on the current soil conditions. On pilot farms, a soil assessment was conducted before the planting season. Based on the particular soil conditions, tailored action plans were created for fertilising specific corn hybrids and for monitoring growth conditions. After harvesting, the corn silage was fermented with different inoculants and analysed to determine potential milk yield.
Overall, we optimised silage management through improving fermentation, compaction and nutrition analysis, which resulted in better feed for the cows and higher milk production. Six months after implementation, the milk index increased by 4,1kg milk/ha. Meanwhile, GHG emissions (kg CO2eq/kg FPCM) declined by 2,7%.
Opportunities for other farms?
Corn is a high yielding crop in many areas of the world and corn and corn silage are a major feed input in a cow’s diet. Optimising corn hybrids and silage management can be replicated on all farms with available land.
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