INVESTIGATING SHORT-STATURE CORN AS A VIABLE, HIGH-QUALITY FORAGE SOURCE FOR HIGH PRODUCING DAIRY COWS

Abstract

The quality of feed in dairy cattle diets is critical to maximizing production efficiency and animal performance. Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) is a primary forage source in dairy systems due to its high energy content and its contribution to total mixed rations (TMR). Corn silage can comprise approximately 40 to 60% of the diet on a dry matter (DM) basis, emphasizing the importance of selecting hybrids that optimize both agronomic performance and nutritive value. Short-stature corn (STC) is a relatively new hybrid that may offer advantages in plant growth, harvest efficiency, and silage production. Although these agronomic advantages are promising, limited information is available regarding its ensiling characteristics and fermentation dynamics of STC. The objectives of the first study were to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, microbial populations, and nutritive value of STC silage treated with organic acids during ensiling. Mini silos (1,000 g; n = 60) were prepared at harvest in a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement, consisting of two treatments (water control, CON; or organic acids, ORG) and six storage times (0, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 120 d), with five replicates per treatment × time combination. Corn was harvested at 34% DM. The ORG treatment consisted of a propionic- and acetic acid–based product (Silage SAVOR) diluted in water, whereas CON received water only. Silos were stored at ambient temperature and analyzed for nutrient composition, microbial counts, and fermentation characteristics. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Organic acid treatment reduced yeast counts compared with CON (P < 0.01), with consistently lower values observed from d 7 through d 120, indicating that treating silage with organic acids can substantially reduce yeast growth. Total acid concentration (% DM) was greater (P < 0.01), whereas butyric acid concentration was lower (P < 0.01) in ORG compared with CON, indicating improved fermentation quality. Nutrient composition was unaffected by treatments across storage times. These results demonstrated that STC can be effectively ensiled under the conditions of this study. Furthermore, organic acid application improved key indicators of fermentation quality and microbial stability, suggesting potential benefits for silage preservation. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of these improvements on aerobic stability and animal performance.