More than half of the digested fiber comes from the starch and sugar portion of the corn kernel. Therefore, it is vital for a producer to evaluate the availability of fiber in feed supplies this winter and look at factors such as kernel particles that can make a difference in the nutritional value of their silage. Energy from starch is … Read More
Ensiled Versus Dry Corn
Curious as to whether ensiled corn is better for your operation than dry corn? Scott Dennis, Pioneer Hi-Bred technical services manager for forage additives, says it’s not a matter of whether one has more nutritional value but rather how effectively an animal digests the nutrients. Ensiled or high-moisture corn, makes the starch more available to the rumen bacteria. Dennis, however, … Read More
Different Strains of Inoculants
Have you ever wondered how inoculants work and what job each inoculant strain serves? Scott Dennis, Pioneer Hi-Bred technical services manager for forage additives, sorts through the information, explaining the role for each strain and the impact it has on silages. [audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://zimmcomm.biz/pioneer/pioneer-podcast-44-wdd.mp3] Scott Dennis on Inoculant Strains (5:00 min MP3) To see all archived Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts, click here. … Read More
Winter Inventory Strategies
Higher feed prices have put a new twist on developing a strategy for winter feeding for dairy producers. Leo Brown, Livestock Information Manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, discusses steps livestock producers can take to make the transition to new feedstocks as efficient as possible from an economic and production perspective. “Every year is different,” says Brown. “Because a feed ration worked … Read More
Evaluating Cost Effective Feed Options
Feed prices are high and look to remain on the high end. There are some factors for producers to keep in mind for their dairy operation. According to Leo Brown, livestock information manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, producers should evaluate cost-effective feed ingredients, look for good buys, manage the basics of feeding on the farm and keep cows in top reproductive … Read More
Harvesting High Moisture Corn at the Right Time
High-moisture corn (HMC) offers growers some benefits that dry corn may not. Leo Brown, Pioneer Hi-Bred livestock information manager, says high-moisture corn is increasing in popularity because growers have a longer window of time for optimum harvesting, which reduces their field losses. Also helping to reduce losses is the availability of L. Buchneri inoculants specifically designed for HMC at the … Read More
Hybrid Selections for Silage Quality
With high commodity prices, it is important to maximize profit from every acre. Silage performance can vary depending on hybrid selection. Performance consistency can be different from one hybrid to the next. Leo Brown, livestock information manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, says growers need to look at maturity and agronomic needs first then yield, tonnage and fiber digestibility when making a … Read More
Silage Additive Feeding Experiences
Looking for answers as to how NDF digestibility impacts dairy production? Pioneer Hi-Bred nutritional sciences veterinarian, Bill Seglar, explains how the types of forages being fed will impact neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Furthermore, Seglar talks about the value of silage additives and the role they play in nutrition. [audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://zimmcomm.biz/pioneer/pioneer-podcast-39-wdd.mp3] Bill Seglar on NDF Digestibility (5:30 min MP3) To see all … Read More
Alphabet Forages
Have trouble sorting out PENDF, NDF and PEF? Pioneer Hi-Bred nutritional sciences veterinarian, Bill Seglar, explains these acronyms and their value to producers. “This information offers producers the ability to add up physically effective fiber coming from all different types of forages that are being brought into the ration to see if it meets the requirements of the total ration,” … Read More
Moldy Silages
Moldy silages can create a variety of concerns for producers. Pioneer nutritional sciences veterinarian, Bill Seglar, discusses the effects of moldy silages. Additionally, Seglar explains how to identify moldy silages as well as how to reduce and remove the problem. Seglar says moldy silages are the result of an energy-consuming, spore-forming microbe, known as molds, that deplete the silage of … Read More