Just what exactly is kernel texture? Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, explores this question while comparing hard starch vs. soft starch. He also explains the link to digestibility and touches upon current Ohio State University research on corn grain and corn silage – what are the influences on feedability and what is the role of fermentation? Bill … Read More
Pioneer Makes Recommendations for Harvest
Pioneer Hi-Bred is recommending that producers across the country concentrate on the moisture levels of corn as a signal that their crop is ready for harvest. This important step will help ensure a high yield for the producer. Read more below for more tips on the correct time to harvest. “If growers wait for brown leaves, especially with today’s modern … Read More
Total-Tract Starch Digestibility
With rising corn prices, a clear understanding of total-tract starch digestibility is as important as ever, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Additionally, Bill explains the differences when starch is digested in the rumen of the cow versus in the intestine, and how this balance works. New research and tests are giving producers a … Read More
Fermentation Can Bring Value Worth Waiting For
Up to 60 days of fermentation before feeding can improve starch digestibility, particularly with high-moisture corn, reports Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager. It’s important, though, to control fermentation, keeping feedstuffs fresh and reducing shrink losses. When feeding both high-moisture corn and corn silage, ensiling can help head off issues like spring acidosis. The overall goal is a … Read More
Grain Particles: The Relationship of Size to Speed
Among dairy nutritionists, grain particle size is of increasing interest, particularly for high-moisture corn. Intuition suggests the smaller the particles, the faster the starch digestion. Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, confirms this. In addition, he calls attention to the importance of particle hardness and distribution in processing for improved feed value. Bill also offers insight on what … Read More
Weighing in on Kernel Vitreousness
Issues on ruminant starch digestibility (STRD) include vitreousness—harder starch—vs. soft, floury endosperm in commercial corn germplasm. As part of a series of Pioneer Forage Forum segments highlighting STRD research, Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, condenses decades of research on this topic. His review includes recent conclusions, with viewpoints on how to identify real-world findings and make practical … Read More
Starch Digestibility: Concentrate on the Controllable
While ruminant starch digestibility (STRD) is a complex subject, producers’ control can be simplified by addressing basic critical factors: harvest moisture, particle size and length of time in fermentation. Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, offers details, particularly on the influence of moisture and the extent of fermentation in high moisture corn. This is the first in a … Read More
Alfalfa Traits: Manage by Objective
To optimize alfalfa performance, one-size-fits-all is no longer in style. Today’s grower can tailor variety selection to manage specific production challenges, observes Dave Miller, Alfalfa Research Director for Pioneer Hi-Bred. The result can be a better fit with bottom-line goals. This includes production objectives based on quantity or quality, as well as defensive objectives for insects, disease and standability. Dave … Read More
Alfalfa Genetics: Winning Percentages
Among seed genetics, alfalfa is a non-conformist. Due to biological limitations, achieving the genetic uniformity that occurs in corn, soybeans, wheat, etc. is not possible. Within each alfalfa variety, there is a range of performance for critical agronomic categories. As explained by Dave Miller, Alfalfa Research Director for Pioneer Hi-Bred, this is why ratings for disease and insect resistance, fall … Read More
Evaluate Alfalfa Winterkill for Go/No-Go Decision
Early to mid-April, when alfalfa begins to green up, is the time to assess the degree of damage from winterkill. Dan Wiersma, account manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, offers tips on what to look for, both above and below ground, to evaluate alfalfa stands just ahead of the upcoming growing season. Dan also discusses options to consider if those stands are … Read More