Rye in the boot-stage has at least 15 percent crude protein content. Its nutrients are also much more digestible than when harvested in the heading stage or more advanced maturity. Some research has shown that cows will milk as well when rye haylage is fed in place of corn silage. In addition, a protein saving is possible in the grain supplement because of the higher protein content in the rye haylage. Usually only 24-30 hours are needed for good wilting.
Wilted rye is a bit more difficult to cut for silage than corn is.
Sharp cutter blades are necessary. Another excellent spring forage for dairy cattle, much overlooked in this area, is green alfalfa. My early boyhood memories of dairy farming are of the daily green chopping of alfalfa for our cows. This feed pushed milk and saved grain supplement costs. Some recent Midwestern studies compared alfalfa fed as silage or as hay.