There is a general recognition among nutritionists, that current methods of forage analysis do not adequately predict energy availability from corn silage. Current analysis predict content of energy but not availability to the animal due to hard kernals and stover particles in the silage.
The following nutritionists and others have formed a working group to attempt to define methods that can be adapted immediately for better prediction of animal performance for corn silage and to suggest to researchers tests that should be evaluated for future use in corn silage analysis:
Rich Evernson, Land O' Lakes
John Anderson, Cargill Hybrid Seeds
Cindie M. Luhman, Land O' Lakes
Mike Allen, Michigan State University
Jim Linn, University of Minnesota
Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois
Marcia Endres, Mycogen
Neal Martin, University of Minnesota
Don Sapienza, Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc Joe Harrison,
Washington State University
Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc John-Marie
Akayezu, Cargill Hybrid Seeds
Mike Messman, Cargill Hybrids
Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin
Bill Seglar, Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc
Larry Satter, USDA-DFRC
Carl Hunt, University of Idaho
Bill Weiss, Ohio State University
Larry Chase, Cornell University
Joanne Siciliano-Jones, FARME Institute
Randy Shaver, University of Wisconsin
Charles Sniffen, Miner Institute
Following are HOT LINKS to conclusions that have been reached and agreed-upon methods:
Results of corn silage analysis working group
Sampling corn silage for analysis
Effect of Grinding on In Situ Digestibility
For additional information
on corn silage, follow this link to the
University
of Wisconsin Corn Research and Extension Program
or you may contact Dan Undersander at
djunders@facstaff.wisc.edu