Hybridization-or breeding for certain desirable traits in a plant-is relatively new to corn silage development. While hybrid silage can produce highly digestible feed for dairy cows, farmers must take additional measures and make planting decisions early in the season to capture the economic benefits of new hybrids. To help farmers evaluate their options, crop scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison conduct ongoing research on corn silage hybrids.

“Twenty to 25 percent of Wisconsin”s corn acreage, of about four million acres total, is corn silage,” says Joe Lauer, an agronomist with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “Corn silage is a significant part of Wisconsin agriculture, and for the past ten years seed companies have paid increasing attention to hybrids for silage use.”

This summer Lauer, along with CALS agronomist Jim Coors and Extension dairy scientist Randy Shaver, will focus on what Lauer calls “the dynamics of digestion.” Energy in corn comes from two different pools: starch in the kernels and fiber in the stover, which includes the stalk, leaves, cob and husk. One of the main traits that seed companies look for in a hybrid is digestibility, which is a measure of the energy the silage provides. The CALS team wants to know more about how dairy cows use the two energy pools. “We”re looking for better, more efficient hybrids,” Lauer explains. “We want to better characterize the different varieties so that farmers know what they are buying.”

That understanding is important, Lauer says. While hybrids can help farmers increase milk production, they also require extra attention, so it”s important to understand the pros and cons.

Ten years ago, corn for silage was often something of an afterthought, planted late in the season in uneven fields that did not produce much grain. Today, while corn from some marginal fields still ends up in the silo, silage is increasingly being managed for optimum yield and quality production. Hybrid fields are planted early and usually have 1,000 to 2,000 extra plants per acre. Because they have a slightly longer relative maturity, they may require an additional week or two of growing season.

Research on corn silage hybrids is supported by a Hatch grant, private funds from seed companies, and the state of Wisconsin.