The Experts below are selected from a list of 267 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Kevin J Shinners - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, maturity, inoculation, and mechanical processing on fermentation characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, mechanical processing, and inoculation of Corn Silage on fermentation characteristics. In experiment 1, Pioneer hybrid 3845 Corn Silage was harvested at three maturities (hard dough, one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline). In experiment 2, Pioneer hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at three maturities (one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline). In both experiments, Corn Silage was harvested at each maturity with and without mechanical processing and with and without inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage was harvested at a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 and 12.7 mm, respectively. Maturity at harvest tended to have a greater impact on Silage fermentation characteristics of Corn Silage than mechanical processing and inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage harvested at the earliest maturity tended to have decreased dry matter content and increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations during the ensiling process than Corn Silage harvested at advanced maturities. In experiment 2, pH levels were lower for Corn Silage harvested at the early maturity (one-third milkline) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds milkline and blackline) by 57 d after ensiling. The difference in pH can be explained by the greater concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates at the early maturity (one-third ML) soon after ensiling (2, 3, 6 and 10 d after ensiling) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds ML and BL). The increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations in the less mature Corn Silage provided nutrients for bacteria to grow and produce primarily lactic acid (6, 10, and 57 d after ensiling) and some acetic acid (2, 3, 6, and 10 d after ensiling) which reduced the pH of Corn Silage more than at the advanced maturities. There was a slight change in Silage fermentation characteristics when Corn Silage was inoculated with Pioneer 1132 inoculant in experiment 1. The inoculated Corn Silage had increased temperature, lactate and acetate concentrations, and lower water-soluble carbohydrate and pH levels compared with uninoculated Corn Silage. Dry matter recovery tended to be greater for processed Corn Silage in experiment 1, and greater for unprocessed Corn Silage in experiment 2. It appears that when fermentation was greater (increased temperature and lactate concentration 57 d after ensiling) the dry matter recovery was lower.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, chop length, and mechanical processing on digestion and energy content.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of chop length and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on digestion and energy content of the total mixed ration (TMR). The experimental designs in experiments 1 and 2 were 6×6 and 4×4 Latin squares, respectively. In the first experiment, Pioneer hybrid 3845 was harvested at three theoretical lengths of cut: 11.1, 27.8, and 39.7mm. At each chop length, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. In the second experiment, Pioneer hybrid Quanta was harvested at two theoretical lengths of cut: 27.8 and 39.7mm, with and without mechanical processing. In both experiments, the increase in the theoretical length of cut of Corn Silage increased the average length of cut and tended to increase the percentage of particles greater than 19mm and lower the percentage of particles between 8 and 19mm. In experiment 1, apparent total tract dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities were lower for cows fed diets containing Corn Silage harvested at a short chop length (11.1mm) than for Corn Silage harvested at a long chop length (39.7mm). The lower total tract digestibility of nutrients may have contributed to the lower TDN, metabolizable energy (percentage of digestible energy), and NE L concentration of diets containing the short chop length Corn Silage (experiment 1). In experiment 2, total tract starch digestibility was greater for cows fed medium chop (27.8mm) Corn Silage diets, and total tract NDF digestibility was greater for cows fed long chop (39.7mm) Corn Silage diets. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between chop lengths may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets in experiment 2. The TDN and NE L concentrations of the processed Corn Silage diets were greater than the unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 1. The increase in energy concentration for the processed Corn Silage diet was due to greater total tract digestibility of organic matter and ether extract. Total tract starch digestibility was greater, and total tract NDF digestibility was lower for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets than unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 2. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between processed and unprocessed Corn Silage may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets.
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Corn Silage Management: Effects of Maturity, Inoculation, and Mechanical Processing on Pack Density and Aerobic Stability
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, Kevin J Shinners, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, D. LinderAbstract:Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation, maturity, and mechanical processing of Corn Silage on aerobic stability and pack density. Corn Silage was stored in 20-L mini silos for the three aerobic stability experiments. Corn Silage was stored in 80-L mini silos for the three pack-density experiments. The wet pack density of Corn Silage tended to decrease as maturity advanced in all of the pack-density experiments, and processed Corn Silage had a greater wet pack density compared with unprocessed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Aerobic stability, measured as the number of hours to reach 1.7°C above ambient, was greater for processed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments, and was greater for inoculated Corn Silage across the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Inoculation of Corn Silage with lactic acid producing bacteria tended to improve aerobic stability of Corn Silage more than maturity and mechanical processing.
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Corn Silage Management II: Effects of Hybrid, Maturity, and Mechanical Processing on Digestion and Energy Content
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of maturity and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on starch, fiber, and ether extract digestibilities and energy content of the total mixed ration fed to lactating Holstein cows. In the first experiment, Pioneer ® hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length of cut of 6.4mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing. In the second experiment, Pioneer ® hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with and without mechanical processing. The theoretical length of cut was 12.7mm. The measured TDN and NE L concentrations were lower for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 and greater for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2, compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage. The lower energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 can be explained by the lower total tract NDF, ether extract, and CP digestibilities. The greater energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2 can be attributed to greater total tract starch and NDF digestibilities for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets. In experiment 2, diets containing processed Corn Silage (1.59 Mcal/kg) had approximately 2.6% more energy available per kilogram of DM consumed compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage (1.55 Mcal/kg). For hybrid Quanta in experiment 2, the TDN and NE L concentrations of diets containing Corn Silage harvested at two-thirds ML were greater than at other maturities.
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Corn Silage management I: effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on chemical and physical characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, J.l. Robutti, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing of whole plant Corn on chemical and physical characteristics, particle size, pack density, and dry matter recovery. In the first experiment, hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 mm. In the second experiment, hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with a theoretical length-of-cut of 12.7 mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing by using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. The percentage of intact Corn kernels present in unprocessed Corn Silage explained 62% of variation in total tract starch digestibility. As the amount of intact kernels increased, total tract starch digestibility decreased. Post-ensiled vitreousness of Corn kernels within the Corn Silage explained 31 and 48% of the variation of total tract starch digestibility for processed and unprocessed treatments, respectively. For a given amount of vitreous starch in Corn kernels, total tract starch digestibility was lower for cows fed unprocessed Corn Silage compared with processed Corn Silage. This suggests that processing Corn Silage disrupts the dense protein matrix within the Corn kernel where starch is embedded, therefore making the starch more available for digestion. Particle size of Corn Silage and orts that contained Corn Silage was reduced when it was processed. Wet pack density was greater for processed compared with unprocessed Corn Silage.
L M Johnson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, maturity, inoculation, and mechanical processing on fermentation characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, mechanical processing, and inoculation of Corn Silage on fermentation characteristics. In experiment 1, Pioneer hybrid 3845 Corn Silage was harvested at three maturities (hard dough, one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline). In experiment 2, Pioneer hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at three maturities (one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline). In both experiments, Corn Silage was harvested at each maturity with and without mechanical processing and with and without inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage was harvested at a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 and 12.7 mm, respectively. Maturity at harvest tended to have a greater impact on Silage fermentation characteristics of Corn Silage than mechanical processing and inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage harvested at the earliest maturity tended to have decreased dry matter content and increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations during the ensiling process than Corn Silage harvested at advanced maturities. In experiment 2, pH levels were lower for Corn Silage harvested at the early maturity (one-third milkline) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds milkline and blackline) by 57 d after ensiling. The difference in pH can be explained by the greater concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates at the early maturity (one-third ML) soon after ensiling (2, 3, 6 and 10 d after ensiling) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds ML and BL). The increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations in the less mature Corn Silage provided nutrients for bacteria to grow and produce primarily lactic acid (6, 10, and 57 d after ensiling) and some acetic acid (2, 3, 6, and 10 d after ensiling) which reduced the pH of Corn Silage more than at the advanced maturities. There was a slight change in Silage fermentation characteristics when Corn Silage was inoculated with Pioneer 1132 inoculant in experiment 1. The inoculated Corn Silage had increased temperature, lactate and acetate concentrations, and lower water-soluble carbohydrate and pH levels compared with uninoculated Corn Silage. Dry matter recovery tended to be greater for processed Corn Silage in experiment 1, and greater for unprocessed Corn Silage in experiment 2. It appears that when fermentation was greater (increased temperature and lactate concentration 57 d after ensiling) the dry matter recovery was lower.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, chop length, and mechanical processing on digestion and energy content.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of chop length and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on digestion and energy content of the total mixed ration (TMR). The experimental designs in experiments 1 and 2 were 6×6 and 4×4 Latin squares, respectively. In the first experiment, Pioneer hybrid 3845 was harvested at three theoretical lengths of cut: 11.1, 27.8, and 39.7mm. At each chop length, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. In the second experiment, Pioneer hybrid Quanta was harvested at two theoretical lengths of cut: 27.8 and 39.7mm, with and without mechanical processing. In both experiments, the increase in the theoretical length of cut of Corn Silage increased the average length of cut and tended to increase the percentage of particles greater than 19mm and lower the percentage of particles between 8 and 19mm. In experiment 1, apparent total tract dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities were lower for cows fed diets containing Corn Silage harvested at a short chop length (11.1mm) than for Corn Silage harvested at a long chop length (39.7mm). The lower total tract digestibility of nutrients may have contributed to the lower TDN, metabolizable energy (percentage of digestible energy), and NE L concentration of diets containing the short chop length Corn Silage (experiment 1). In experiment 2, total tract starch digestibility was greater for cows fed medium chop (27.8mm) Corn Silage diets, and total tract NDF digestibility was greater for cows fed long chop (39.7mm) Corn Silage diets. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between chop lengths may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets in experiment 2. The TDN and NE L concentrations of the processed Corn Silage diets were greater than the unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 1. The increase in energy concentration for the processed Corn Silage diet was due to greater total tract digestibility of organic matter and ether extract. Total tract starch digestibility was greater, and total tract NDF digestibility was lower for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets than unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 2. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between processed and unprocessed Corn Silage may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets.
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Corn Silage Management: Effects of Maturity, Inoculation, and Mechanical Processing on Pack Density and Aerobic Stability
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, Kevin J Shinners, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, D. LinderAbstract:Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation, maturity, and mechanical processing of Corn Silage on aerobic stability and pack density. Corn Silage was stored in 20-L mini silos for the three aerobic stability experiments. Corn Silage was stored in 80-L mini silos for the three pack-density experiments. The wet pack density of Corn Silage tended to decrease as maturity advanced in all of the pack-density experiments, and processed Corn Silage had a greater wet pack density compared with unprocessed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Aerobic stability, measured as the number of hours to reach 1.7°C above ambient, was greater for processed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments, and was greater for inoculated Corn Silage across the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Inoculation of Corn Silage with lactic acid producing bacteria tended to improve aerobic stability of Corn Silage more than maturity and mechanical processing.
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Corn Silage Management II: Effects of Hybrid, Maturity, and Mechanical Processing on Digestion and Energy Content
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of maturity and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on starch, fiber, and ether extract digestibilities and energy content of the total mixed ration fed to lactating Holstein cows. In the first experiment, Pioneer ® hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length of cut of 6.4mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing. In the second experiment, Pioneer ® hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with and without mechanical processing. The theoretical length of cut was 12.7mm. The measured TDN and NE L concentrations were lower for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 and greater for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2, compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage. The lower energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 can be explained by the lower total tract NDF, ether extract, and CP digestibilities. The greater energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2 can be attributed to greater total tract starch and NDF digestibilities for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets. In experiment 2, diets containing processed Corn Silage (1.59 Mcal/kg) had approximately 2.6% more energy available per kilogram of DM consumed compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage (1.55 Mcal/kg). For hybrid Quanta in experiment 2, the TDN and NE L concentrations of diets containing Corn Silage harvested at two-thirds ML were greater than at other maturities.
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Corn Silage management I: effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on chemical and physical characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, J.l. Robutti, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing of whole plant Corn on chemical and physical characteristics, particle size, pack density, and dry matter recovery. In the first experiment, hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 mm. In the second experiment, hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with a theoretical length-of-cut of 12.7 mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing by using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. The percentage of intact Corn kernels present in unprocessed Corn Silage explained 62% of variation in total tract starch digestibility. As the amount of intact kernels increased, total tract starch digestibility decreased. Post-ensiled vitreousness of Corn kernels within the Corn Silage explained 31 and 48% of the variation of total tract starch digestibility for processed and unprocessed treatments, respectively. For a given amount of vitreous starch in Corn kernels, total tract starch digestibility was lower for cows fed unprocessed Corn Silage compared with processed Corn Silage. This suggests that processing Corn Silage disrupts the dense protein matrix within the Corn kernel where starch is embedded, therefore making the starch more available for digestion. Particle size of Corn Silage and orts that contained Corn Silage was reduced when it was processed. Wet pack density was greater for processed compared with unprocessed Corn Silage.
J H Harrison - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Corn Silage Management II: Effects of Hybrid, Maturity, and Mechanical Processing on Digestion and Energy Content
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of maturity and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on starch, fiber, and ether extract digestibilities and energy content of the total mixed ration fed to lactating Holstein cows. In the first experiment, Pioneer ® hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length of cut of 6.4mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing. In the second experiment, Pioneer ® hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with and without mechanical processing. The theoretical length of cut was 12.7mm. The measured TDN and NE L concentrations were lower for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 and greater for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2, compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage. The lower energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 can be explained by the lower total tract NDF, ether extract, and CP digestibilities. The greater energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2 can be attributed to greater total tract starch and NDF digestibilities for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets. In experiment 2, diets containing processed Corn Silage (1.59 Mcal/kg) had approximately 2.6% more energy available per kilogram of DM consumed compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage (1.55 Mcal/kg). For hybrid Quanta in experiment 2, the TDN and NE L concentrations of diets containing Corn Silage harvested at two-thirds ML were greater than at other maturities.
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Corn Silage Management: Effects of Maturity, Inoculation, and Mechanical Processing on Pack Density and Aerobic Stability
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, Kevin J Shinners, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, D. LinderAbstract:Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation, maturity, and mechanical processing of Corn Silage on aerobic stability and pack density. Corn Silage was stored in 20-L mini silos for the three aerobic stability experiments. Corn Silage was stored in 80-L mini silos for the three pack-density experiments. The wet pack density of Corn Silage tended to decrease as maturity advanced in all of the pack-density experiments, and processed Corn Silage had a greater wet pack density compared with unprocessed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Aerobic stability, measured as the number of hours to reach 1.7°C above ambient, was greater for processed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments, and was greater for inoculated Corn Silage across the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Inoculation of Corn Silage with lactic acid producing bacteria tended to improve aerobic stability of Corn Silage more than maturity and mechanical processing.
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Corn Silage management I: effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on chemical and physical characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, J.l. Robutti, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing of whole plant Corn on chemical and physical characteristics, particle size, pack density, and dry matter recovery. In the first experiment, hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 mm. In the second experiment, hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with a theoretical length-of-cut of 12.7 mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing by using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. The percentage of intact Corn kernels present in unprocessed Corn Silage explained 62% of variation in total tract starch digestibility. As the amount of intact kernels increased, total tract starch digestibility decreased. Post-ensiled vitreousness of Corn kernels within the Corn Silage explained 31 and 48% of the variation of total tract starch digestibility for processed and unprocessed treatments, respectively. For a given amount of vitreous starch in Corn kernels, total tract starch digestibility was lower for cows fed unprocessed Corn Silage compared with processed Corn Silage. This suggests that processing Corn Silage disrupts the dense protein matrix within the Corn kernel where starch is embedded, therefore making the starch more available for digestion. Particle size of Corn Silage and orts that contained Corn Silage was reduced when it was processed. Wet pack density was greater for processed compared with unprocessed Corn Silage.
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nutritive value of Corn Silage as affected by maturity and mechanical processing a contemporary review
Journal of Dairy Science, 1999Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, C W Hunt, Kevin J Shinners, C G Doggett, D SapienzaAbstract:Abstract Stage of maturity at harvest and mechanical processing affect the nutritive value of Corn Silage. The change in nutritive value of Corn Silage as maturity advances can be measured by animal digestion and macro in situ degradation studies among other methods. Predictive equations using climatic data, vitreousness of Corn grain in Corn Silage, starch reactivity, gelatinization enthalpy, dry matter (DM) of Corn grain in Corn Silage, and DM of Corn Silage can be used to estimate starch digestibility of Corn Silage. Whole plant Corn Silage can be mechanically processed either pre- or postensiling with a kernel processor mounted on a forage harvester, a recutter screen on a forage harvester, or a stationary roller mill. Mechanical processing of Corn Silage can improve ensiling characteristics, reduce DM losses during ensiling, and improve starch and fiber digestion as a result of fracturing the Corn kernels and crushing and shearing the stover and cobs. Improvements in milk production have ranged from 0.2 to 2.0kg/d when cows were fed mechanically processed Corn Silage. A consistent improvement in milk protein yield has also been observed when mechanically processed Corn Silage has been fed. With the advent of mechanical processors, alternative strategies are evident for Corn Silage management, such as a longer harvest window.
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ECONOMICS OF Corn Silage PROCESSING ON NORTH AMERICAN DAIRY FARMS
Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 1999Co-Authors: C. A. Rotz, L M Johnson, J H HarrisonAbstract:Whole farm impacts of using a Corn Silage processor on the forage harvester were assessed using long term simulations with DAFOSYM (The Dairy Forage System Model). Use of processing improved packing in the silo and increased the digestibility of the Silage, which reduced supplemental feed requirements, and/or improved milk production. When processing was used on farms having 100 or 400 high producing Holstein cows with 40% of the forage requirement met by Corn Silage, the treatment provided about a 2% increase in milk production along with a small decrease in supplemental grain feeding. Increases in production costs were more than offset by the increase in milk sales providing about a $50/cow improvement in the annual net return or profit of the farm. Without an increase in milk production, the economic benefit dropped to $5/cow/year. If the amount of Corn Silage fed was increased to 75% of the total forage requirement, processing provided a 4% increase in milk production with an economic benefit near $100/cow/year. The economic benefit of Corn Silage processing was moderately sensitive to the length-of-cut setting of the harvester, milk price, and processing’s effect on forage digestibility and available energy. Changes in these assumptions varied farm net return by less than $20/cow/year. The results were relatively insensitive to reasonable assumptions for equipment price and power requirement, packing density in the silo, and supplemental feed prices.
W.c. Mahanna - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, maturity, inoculation, and mechanical processing on fermentation characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, mechanical processing, and inoculation of Corn Silage on fermentation characteristics. In experiment 1, Pioneer hybrid 3845 Corn Silage was harvested at three maturities (hard dough, one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline). In experiment 2, Pioneer hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at three maturities (one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline). In both experiments, Corn Silage was harvested at each maturity with and without mechanical processing and with and without inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage was harvested at a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 and 12.7 mm, respectively. Maturity at harvest tended to have a greater impact on Silage fermentation characteristics of Corn Silage than mechanical processing and inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage harvested at the earliest maturity tended to have decreased dry matter content and increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations during the ensiling process than Corn Silage harvested at advanced maturities. In experiment 2, pH levels were lower for Corn Silage harvested at the early maturity (one-third milkline) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds milkline and blackline) by 57 d after ensiling. The difference in pH can be explained by the greater concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates at the early maturity (one-third ML) soon after ensiling (2, 3, 6 and 10 d after ensiling) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds ML and BL). The increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations in the less mature Corn Silage provided nutrients for bacteria to grow and produce primarily lactic acid (6, 10, and 57 d after ensiling) and some acetic acid (2, 3, 6, and 10 d after ensiling) which reduced the pH of Corn Silage more than at the advanced maturities. There was a slight change in Silage fermentation characteristics when Corn Silage was inoculated with Pioneer 1132 inoculant in experiment 1. The inoculated Corn Silage had increased temperature, lactate and acetate concentrations, and lower water-soluble carbohydrate and pH levels compared with uninoculated Corn Silage. Dry matter recovery tended to be greater for processed Corn Silage in experiment 1, and greater for unprocessed Corn Silage in experiment 2. It appears that when fermentation was greater (increased temperature and lactate concentration 57 d after ensiling) the dry matter recovery was lower.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, chop length, and mechanical processing on digestion and energy content.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of chop length and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on digestion and energy content of the total mixed ration (TMR). The experimental designs in experiments 1 and 2 were 6×6 and 4×4 Latin squares, respectively. In the first experiment, Pioneer hybrid 3845 was harvested at three theoretical lengths of cut: 11.1, 27.8, and 39.7mm. At each chop length, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. In the second experiment, Pioneer hybrid Quanta was harvested at two theoretical lengths of cut: 27.8 and 39.7mm, with and without mechanical processing. In both experiments, the increase in the theoretical length of cut of Corn Silage increased the average length of cut and tended to increase the percentage of particles greater than 19mm and lower the percentage of particles between 8 and 19mm. In experiment 1, apparent total tract dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities were lower for cows fed diets containing Corn Silage harvested at a short chop length (11.1mm) than for Corn Silage harvested at a long chop length (39.7mm). The lower total tract digestibility of nutrients may have contributed to the lower TDN, metabolizable energy (percentage of digestible energy), and NE L concentration of diets containing the short chop length Corn Silage (experiment 1). In experiment 2, total tract starch digestibility was greater for cows fed medium chop (27.8mm) Corn Silage diets, and total tract NDF digestibility was greater for cows fed long chop (39.7mm) Corn Silage diets. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between chop lengths may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets in experiment 2. The TDN and NE L concentrations of the processed Corn Silage diets were greater than the unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 1. The increase in energy concentration for the processed Corn Silage diet was due to greater total tract digestibility of organic matter and ether extract. Total tract starch digestibility was greater, and total tract NDF digestibility was lower for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets than unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 2. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between processed and unprocessed Corn Silage may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets.
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Corn Silage Management: Effects of Maturity, Inoculation, and Mechanical Processing on Pack Density and Aerobic Stability
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, Kevin J Shinners, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, D. LinderAbstract:Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation, maturity, and mechanical processing of Corn Silage on aerobic stability and pack density. Corn Silage was stored in 20-L mini silos for the three aerobic stability experiments. Corn Silage was stored in 80-L mini silos for the three pack-density experiments. The wet pack density of Corn Silage tended to decrease as maturity advanced in all of the pack-density experiments, and processed Corn Silage had a greater wet pack density compared with unprocessed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Aerobic stability, measured as the number of hours to reach 1.7°C above ambient, was greater for processed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments, and was greater for inoculated Corn Silage across the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Inoculation of Corn Silage with lactic acid producing bacteria tended to improve aerobic stability of Corn Silage more than maturity and mechanical processing.
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Corn Silage Management II: Effects of Hybrid, Maturity, and Mechanical Processing on Digestion and Energy Content
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of maturity and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on starch, fiber, and ether extract digestibilities and energy content of the total mixed ration fed to lactating Holstein cows. In the first experiment, Pioneer ® hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length of cut of 6.4mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing. In the second experiment, Pioneer ® hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with and without mechanical processing. The theoretical length of cut was 12.7mm. The measured TDN and NE L concentrations were lower for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 and greater for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2, compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage. The lower energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 can be explained by the lower total tract NDF, ether extract, and CP digestibilities. The greater energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2 can be attributed to greater total tract starch and NDF digestibilities for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets. In experiment 2, diets containing processed Corn Silage (1.59 Mcal/kg) had approximately 2.6% more energy available per kilogram of DM consumed compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage (1.55 Mcal/kg). For hybrid Quanta in experiment 2, the TDN and NE L concentrations of diets containing Corn Silage harvested at two-thirds ML were greater than at other maturities.
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Corn Silage management I: effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on chemical and physical characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, J.l. Robutti, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing of whole plant Corn on chemical and physical characteristics, particle size, pack density, and dry matter recovery. In the first experiment, hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 mm. In the second experiment, hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with a theoretical length-of-cut of 12.7 mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing by using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. The percentage of intact Corn kernels present in unprocessed Corn Silage explained 62% of variation in total tract starch digestibility. As the amount of intact kernels increased, total tract starch digestibility decreased. Post-ensiled vitreousness of Corn kernels within the Corn Silage explained 31 and 48% of the variation of total tract starch digestibility for processed and unprocessed treatments, respectively. For a given amount of vitreous starch in Corn kernels, total tract starch digestibility was lower for cows fed unprocessed Corn Silage compared with processed Corn Silage. This suggests that processing Corn Silage disrupts the dense protein matrix within the Corn kernel where starch is embedded, therefore making the starch more available for digestion. Particle size of Corn Silage and orts that contained Corn Silage was reduced when it was processed. Wet pack density was greater for processed compared with unprocessed Corn Silage.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, maturity, inoculation, and mechanical processing on fermentation characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, mechanical processing, and inoculation of Corn Silage on fermentation characteristics. In experiment 1, Pioneer hybrid 3845 Corn Silage was harvested at three maturities (hard dough, one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline). In experiment 2, Pioneer hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at three maturities (one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline). In both experiments, Corn Silage was harvested at each maturity with and without mechanical processing and with and without inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage was harvested at a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 and 12.7 mm, respectively. Maturity at harvest tended to have a greater impact on Silage fermentation characteristics of Corn Silage than mechanical processing and inoculation. In experiments 1 and 2, Corn Silage harvested at the earliest maturity tended to have decreased dry matter content and increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations during the ensiling process than Corn Silage harvested at advanced maturities. In experiment 2, pH levels were lower for Corn Silage harvested at the early maturity (one-third milkline) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds milkline and blackline) by 57 d after ensiling. The difference in pH can be explained by the greater concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates at the early maturity (one-third ML) soon after ensiling (2, 3, 6 and 10 d after ensiling) compared with advanced maturities (two-thirds ML and BL). The increased water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations in the less mature Corn Silage provided nutrients for bacteria to grow and produce primarily lactic acid (6, 10, and 57 d after ensiling) and some acetic acid (2, 3, 6, and 10 d after ensiling) which reduced the pH of Corn Silage more than at the advanced maturities. There was a slight change in Silage fermentation characteristics when Corn Silage was inoculated with Pioneer 1132 inoculant in experiment 1. The inoculated Corn Silage had increased temperature, lactate and acetate concentrations, and lower water-soluble carbohydrate and pH levels compared with uninoculated Corn Silage. Dry matter recovery tended to be greater for processed Corn Silage in experiment 1, and greater for unprocessed Corn Silage in experiment 2. It appears that when fermentation was greater (increased temperature and lactate concentration 57 d after ensiling) the dry matter recovery was lower.
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Corn Silage management: effects of hybrid, chop length, and mechanical processing on digestion and energy content.
Journal of dairy science, 2003Co-Authors: L M Johnson, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, Joseph H. Harrison, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of chop length and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on digestion and energy content of the total mixed ration (TMR). The experimental designs in experiments 1 and 2 were 6×6 and 4×4 Latin squares, respectively. In the first experiment, Pioneer hybrid 3845 was harvested at three theoretical lengths of cut: 11.1, 27.8, and 39.7mm. At each chop length, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. In the second experiment, Pioneer hybrid Quanta was harvested at two theoretical lengths of cut: 27.8 and 39.7mm, with and without mechanical processing. In both experiments, the increase in the theoretical length of cut of Corn Silage increased the average length of cut and tended to increase the percentage of particles greater than 19mm and lower the percentage of particles between 8 and 19mm. In experiment 1, apparent total tract dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities were lower for cows fed diets containing Corn Silage harvested at a short chop length (11.1mm) than for Corn Silage harvested at a long chop length (39.7mm). The lower total tract digestibility of nutrients may have contributed to the lower TDN, metabolizable energy (percentage of digestible energy), and NE L concentration of diets containing the short chop length Corn Silage (experiment 1). In experiment 2, total tract starch digestibility was greater for cows fed medium chop (27.8mm) Corn Silage diets, and total tract NDF digestibility was greater for cows fed long chop (39.7mm) Corn Silage diets. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between chop lengths may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets in experiment 2. The TDN and NE L concentrations of the processed Corn Silage diets were greater than the unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 1. The increase in energy concentration for the processed Corn Silage diet was due to greater total tract digestibility of organic matter and ether extract. Total tract starch digestibility was greater, and total tract NDF digestibility was lower for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets than unprocessed Corn Silage diets in experiment 2. The opposing effect of total tract starch and fiber digestibilities between processed and unprocessed Corn Silage may have contributed to the lack of difference in energy content of the diets.
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Corn Silage Management: Effects of Maturity, Inoculation, and Mechanical Processing on Pack Density and Aerobic Stability
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, Kevin J Shinners, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, D. LinderAbstract:Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation, maturity, and mechanical processing of Corn Silage on aerobic stability and pack density. Corn Silage was stored in 20-L mini silos for the three aerobic stability experiments. Corn Silage was stored in 80-L mini silos for the three pack-density experiments. The wet pack density of Corn Silage tended to decrease as maturity advanced in all of the pack-density experiments, and processed Corn Silage had a greater wet pack density compared with unprocessed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Aerobic stability, measured as the number of hours to reach 1.7°C above ambient, was greater for processed Corn Silage in two of the three 20-L mini silo experiments, and was greater for inoculated Corn Silage across the three 20-L mini silo experiments. Inoculation of Corn Silage with lactic acid producing bacteria tended to improve aerobic stability of Corn Silage more than maturity and mechanical processing.
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Corn Silage Management II: Effects of Hybrid, Maturity, and Mechanical Processing on Digestion and Energy Content
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of maturity and mechanical processing of two hybrids of whole plant Corn on starch, fiber, and ether extract digestibilities and energy content of the total mixed ration fed to lactating Holstein cows. In the first experiment, Pioneer ® hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length of cut of 6.4mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing. In the second experiment, Pioneer ® hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with and without mechanical processing. The theoretical length of cut was 12.7mm. The measured TDN and NE L concentrations were lower for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 and greater for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2, compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage. The lower energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 1 can be explained by the lower total tract NDF, ether extract, and CP digestibilities. The greater energy content for diets containing processed Corn Silage in experiment 2 can be attributed to greater total tract starch and NDF digestibilities for cows fed processed Corn Silage diets. In experiment 2, diets containing processed Corn Silage (1.59 Mcal/kg) had approximately 2.6% more energy available per kilogram of DM consumed compared with diets containing unprocessed Corn Silage (1.55 Mcal/kg). For hybrid Quanta in experiment 2, the TDN and NE L concentrations of diets containing Corn Silage harvested at two-thirds ML were greater than at other maturities.
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Corn Silage management I: effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on chemical and physical characteristics.
Journal of dairy science, 2002Co-Authors: L M Johnson, J H Harrison, D. Davidson, W.c. Mahanna, M. Swift, J.l. Robutti, Kevin J ShinnersAbstract:Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing of whole plant Corn on chemical and physical characteristics, particle size, pack density, and dry matter recovery. In the first experiment, hybrid 3845 whole plant Corn was harvested at hard dough, one-third milkline, and two-thirds milkline with a theoretical length-of-cut of 6.4 mm. In the second experiment, hybrids 3845 and Quanta were harvested at one-third milkline, two-thirds milkline, and blackline stages of maturity with a theoretical length-of-cut of 12.7 mm. At each stage of maturity, Corn was harvested with and without mechanical processing by using a John Deere 5830 harvester with an onboard kernel processor. The percentage of intact Corn kernels present in unprocessed Corn Silage explained 62% of variation in total tract starch digestibility. As the amount of intact kernels increased, total tract starch digestibility decreased. Post-ensiled vitreousness of Corn kernels within the Corn Silage explained 31 and 48% of the variation of total tract starch digestibility for processed and unprocessed treatments, respectively. For a given amount of vitreous starch in Corn kernels, total tract starch digestibility was lower for cows fed unprocessed Corn Silage compared with processed Corn Silage. This suggests that processing Corn Silage disrupts the dense protein matrix within the Corn kernel where starch is embedded, therefore making the starch more available for digestion. Particle size of Corn Silage and orts that contained Corn Silage was reduced when it was processed. Wet pack density was greater for processed compared with unprocessed Corn Silage.