F.A. Martz, R.R. Ruehlow and R.C. Bennett Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia Wheat silage as a feed for dairy cows has become popular recently in Missouri, even though little information about nutrient content and optimum cutting stage is available. Some recent research at the University of Missouri-Columbia provides new information about wheat silage for dairy cows. This new information includes the changes in energy, protein and minerals with stage of maturity at harvest and recommendations for cutting and storage. In general, most of this information probably applies to other small grain silages, such as oats and barley, for which similar information is scarce. Increased use of wheat silage Wheat is being used more and more as a silage by dairy farmers.
Wheat is suitable for many of the soils and climatic conditions of Missouri.
Wheat is a dependable crop because it grows mostly in the spring when moisture usually is adequate. Wheat forage can be double cropped with a number of crops. Wheat silage allows more complete use of silos and silage handling equipment. Wheat silage can provide an interim forage during the time when the previous year's hay or silage has run out and the present year's has not been harvested. If properly ensiled and fed in combination with a properly balanced grain ration, wheat silage can maintain high milk production.