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Corn Plant Maturity. IV. Effects on Digestibility of Corn Silage in Sheep¹

Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster

Abstract

Treated (0.5% limestone plus 0.5% urea) and untreated corn plant material was ensiled in plastic bags at eight stages of maturity ranging from blister stage to very mature in both 1964 and 1965, and fed to sheep in digestion trials. All silages were well preserved and readily consumed by sheep. The pH values were normal except for the very mature treated silage which had a pH of 7.7. Dry matter ranged from 20% at the blister stage to 71% at the very mature stage. Percent ash, cellulose and crude protein were significantly decreased with increasing maturity. Digestibilities of dry matter and organic matter were significantly affected by maturity, increasing to maximum at the dough-dent stage and decreasing slightly thereafter. Dry matter digestibility was still 68% at the very mature stage. Increasing maturity significantly decreased digestibility of cellulose and protein throughout the harvest period. Voluntary intake of the silages was maximum at the glaze stage. Limestone-urea treatment increased the lactic acid content but had no effect on digestibility of dry matter, organic matter or cellulose or on voluntary intake. It is concluded that maximum yield of digestible energy per hectare would be achieved by harvesting sometime between the dough-dent and glaze stage of maturity. The later the maturity, the more attention must be given to proper protein supplementation. Palatable, well-preserved silage can be made at all stages of maturity from blister to very high dry matter com silage.

¹ Approved for publication as Journal Article No. 51–67 by the Associate Director of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

² Department of Animal Science.

³ The authors wish to acknowledge the technical assistance of Miss G. Rother and Mrs. P. Bicksler. The corn plant material was furnished by Dr. G. B. Triplett, Department of Agronomy.

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