By the early 1980's, a 20,000 pound herd average became a reasonable goal for most producers, and now 25,000 appears to be the benchmark. From a ration standpoint, corn silage helps dilute down the excessive rumen degradable protein present in high quality haylage diets. It also helps increase the energy density and decreases the amount of corn or other energy sources required for high production. Its biggest advantage may be increased dry matter intake. There are many economic benefits from a cropping standpoint.
Corn works well in cropping rotations with alfalfa.
In many area's winterkill of alfalfa is high, so feeding more corn silage can be nice insurance. In area's where a lot of corn is raised for grain, decisions can be made by late August if more corn silage is needed. It is generally easier and more economical to purchase corn for grain than for corn silage. Challenges Because of these advantages, many producers have changed to high corn silage diets, which creates a new set of problems. Besides the high amount of purchased protein required, digestibility of corn silage becomes a big variable.