Plant density is known to have an influence on the fiber content of corn silage. In this study, percent ADF and NDF increased with increasing plant densities. Neutral detergent fiber increased similarly. Table 1 . Effect of plant density on percent ADF and NDF and digestibility measurements of whole plant corn silage.
Higher numbers are better.
In situ digestibility methods allow forage digestion inside the rumen of a cow or steer for a period of 24 hours. Digestibility measurements confirm changes in fiber content of silage grown at varying plant densities. Table 1 shows the relationship of plant density and silage digestibility using two different measures of digestibility. Acre Milk yield per acre is a useful measurement to determine the relationship of yield and quality. Generally, milk yield is sacrificed as the quality of the forage decreases.