Effects of Corn Moisture and Length of Ensiling on Dry Matter Digestibility and Rumen Degradable Protein

Authors

Joshua R. Benton, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2005

Comments

Published in 2005 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2004 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

An in situ trial was conducted to evaluate effects of corn moisture and length of ensiling on dry matter digestibility (ISDMD) and degradable intake protein (DIP). Corn treatments consisted of dry-rolled, high-moisture, and reconstituted dry corn. Corn samples were incubated in situ for 22 hours and ISDMD (%) and DIP (% of CP) values were calculated. Both high moisture and reconstituted corn had higher ISDMD and DIP values than dry-rolled corn. Dry matter digestibility and degradable intake protein increased for high-moisture and reconstituted corn when either moisture or length of ensiling was increased.