Corn silage generally keeps well in properly made stacks and in trench or bunker silos. Studies at Penn State and elsewhere indicate that no appreciable improvement in digestibility can be expected by extra processing of silage corn that is harvested at the recommended stage of maturity. Rolling, crushing, grinding, or recutting at ensiling time does not appreciably alter digestibility. Other research has demonstrated the importance of ensiling the entire corn plant. Ensiling only the center portions of the plant, for example, may slightly raise the energy content of the ensiled mass, but it considerably reduces TDN yield per acre.
Some farmers make silage of the stalks after the ears are picked or the grain is harvested.
This material is a satisfactory feed for beef cattle when properly supplemented. Its greatest use is for wintering beef cows. To ensure satisfactory ensiling and preserving with this material, it may be necessary to add water at time of ensiling. Maturity stage and moisture level. Moisture content can be estimated by the stage of kernel development.