Maize Silage

Corn silage is a type of preserved forage made from whole corn plants—including the stalk, leaves, cobs, and kernels—that are chopped, packed tightly, and fermented. It's a staple feed for ruminant livestock like dairy cows and beef cattle due to its high energy content and digestibility.

🔍 Overview: ✅ Advantages of Corn Silage:

• High yield per acre

• Energy-dense: especially important for high-producing dairy cows

• Good palatability: animals generally eat it readily

• Storage efficiency: compact and long-lasting when stored properly

🛠️ Silage Making Process (Steps):

1. Harvesting:

   • Done when corn is at 60–70% moisture (milk to early dent stage)

   • Ensures proper sugar levels for fermentation

2. Chopping:

   • Particle size: ⅜ to ¾ inch

   • Fine enough to pack tightly, coarse enough for rumen function

3. Packing:

   • Exclude as much oxygen as possible

   • Prevents spoilage and promotes anaerobic fermentation

4. Covering:

   • Use plastic sheeting or silage covers

   • Weigh down to prevent air and moisture infiltration

5. Fermentation:

   • 2–3 weeks of anaerobic bacterial activity

   • Converts sugars into lactic acid, lowering pH (~3.8–4.2)

6. Feeding:

   • After fermentation is complete

   • Remove daily feed face to minimize spoilage

⚖️ Nutritional Profile (Typical Ranges)