Alvaro GarcÃa & Fernando DÃaz
Drought stress is usually the major limitation to forage yields. When drought has compromised tonnage of corn grain, silage producers may still retain part of its feeding value.
Although grazing the plants is an alternative, mechanical harvesting maximizes the tonnage obtained. Preserving drought-stressed corn plants as hay is usually not recommended because plants retain moisture and are difficult to dry.
Preserving high-moisture corn plants as baleage (50 to 60 percent moisture) can also offer difficulties as stalks can puncture the plastic wrap with air infiltration of the forage mass. Aeration will lead to heating (and even spontaneous combustion), mold growth and mycotoxin production, and reduced palatability and overall feeding value of the stored forage.
Because of these considerations, if producers are going to go through the trouble and expense of harvesting corn plants, it is worth doing so as silage by following traditional best management practices.
Continue reading this article published in Progressive Dairyman.
