|
|
|
Silage corn variety boosts milk productionBy Jennifer Bremer Providing dairy farmers with a feed source that can help them produce more milk is the goal of Dow AgroSciences with their work on its silage line of corn hybrids. The brown mid-rib variety available through Mycogen Seeds, a subsidiary of Dow AgroSciences, was discovered as a genetic mutation and is not genetically engineered, according to Dow researcher Chuck Kahl. "This is an ideal product for both silage and cellulosic ethanol production since this hybrid is high in fiber for both industries," he said. "The key to silage production for dairy producers is that it is highly digestible and leads to higher milk production." When dairy producers feed the BMR corn, it has shown an increase in milk production of as much as 4.8 pounds of milk per cow per day. "Increasing milk production feeding silage from the BMR corn is exactly what dairy farmers want. However, they do have to learn how to feed this silage because it is lower in lignin, which makes it highly digestible," he said. Another advantage to the BMR corn is the taller plants resulting in more tonnage and more silage produced per acre. Kahl does admit the BMR corn should only be used for silage or cellulosic ethanol, as it is not recommended for grain production. The BMR mutation is also found in sorghum and other grasses, and continual research is being done to learn about the benefits of BMR in those crops. Higher fiber content in the BMR corn makes it easier to break down in the rumen, leading to better digestibility and better utilization of the entire corn plant. Because of the nutrient value of this hybrid and the higher dry matter, Kahl said it is important for producers to reanalyze the nutritional needs for their cows and rations will likely need reworked. University of Delaware forage nutrition researcher Limin Kung has done extensive research on BMR corn silage. "The BMR crops seen today are hardier, sturdier and yield better on tonnage. There is no doubt that with BMR corn silage, cows will milk like the dickens," he said. While the initial cost of the seed is a bit higher than other varieties, Kahl said the end result is worth more for the producers since it will make their production higher, thus bringing in more profit. Dow continues to work on utilization of the BMR corn and university studies are also being performed to determine if the corn silage can be utilized for beef producers, as well. Dow AgroSciences also continues to make advancements in biotechnology, nitrogen stabilization, seed and herbicides. Jennifer Bremer can be reached by phone at 515-833-2120 or by e-mail at jbremermaj@hotmail.com. 9/8/08 Date: 9/4/08 Advertisement
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
