Nutritive Value of Corn Silage as Influenced by Grain Content

Two varieties of corn selected for a large difference in ear to stalk ratio were evaluated as silage with intake and digestibility trials with Holstein steers. In the second year the same two varieties were evaluated with and without ears by the same test with steers and a lactation study. The effect of varietal difference in grain content and planting rate changed the digestible energy content by only 2 to 3 percentage units. Milk production was not significantly affected by variety but was lower when the ears were removed even though additional concentrates were supplied.