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Sales Rep: Joe Emanuele 724-261-9115
Agronomist: Travis Keene 717-327-3090
Nutritionist: John Brouillette 315-427-4741
 
Ashburn, VA (20146)
Tips for feeding BMR corn silage successfully
  • Most dairy producers are able to feed 2 to 4 pounds less grain per cow per day when feeding BMR corn silage.
  • For best results when feeding silage made with Mycogen® brand BMR corn hybrids, work closely with your herd nutritionist.
  • Consider the higher silage digestibility of BMR corn silage and adjust rations accordingly.
  • Mycogen Seeds forage nutritionists can assist with ration formulation and technical support.



 
 
BMR ration formulation tips

 
1. Plan ahead.
  • Before growing BMR corn, meet with your nutritionist to discuss feeding strategies.
2. Feed BMR for the highest return on investment.
  • If you plan to feed BMR to only a portion of your herd, remember that high-producing groups will generally show the greatest response.
  • According to Utah State University researchers, cows fed BMR corn silage reached higher peak milk production​ and averaged 2 pounds more energy-corrected milk per day during the first 180 days of lactation.1​
3. Evaluate storage needs.
  • Although BMR can be mixed with conventional silage in a ration, it is best to store the different types of silage in separate structures.
4. Work with your nutritionist on ration formulation.
  • Ask your herd nutritionist to create a sample diet with BMR corn silage and other ingredients on the farm to predict the impact it will have in dry matter intake, rumen efficiency, grain savings and milk production.
  • As with any ration change, incorporate BMR gradually to ensure a smooth transition. 
5. Test silage after harvest.
  • Select a lab that has experience analyzing BMR corn silage by using both near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and wet chemistry/in-vitro methods.
6. Adjust for higher silage digestibility.
  • When formulating rations with BMR, use dynamic ration formulation software. This software will help optimize health, productivity and profitability.
  • Higher levels of digestible fiber will enhance rumen microbial efficiency and replace a portion of the energy from starch sources. This leads to higher dry matter intake (DMI).
  • Feed at least 15 pounds of dry matter BMR corn silage per cow per day. This provides a solid base of digestible fiber.
7. Monitor herd performance.
  • The fiber in BMR corn silage is more digestible and may result in an increase in group DMI.
  • Keep an eye on total ration starch, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and effective fiber levels. Additional sources of effective fiber may be needed to maintain optimum rumen function and control rate of passage through the rumen.
  • If you see changes in manure consistency, milk components and milk urea nitrogen (MUN), work with your nutritionist to fine-tune the diet.
1Holt, M. S., J-S. Eun, C. R. Thacker, A. J. Young, X. Dai, K. E. Nestor Jr. 2013. Effects of feeding brown midrib corn silage with a high dietary concentration of alfalfa hay on lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows for the first 180 days of lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 515–523.​​
 
Tips for Feeding BMR Corn Silage - Mycogen Seeds
Feeding silage, ration formulation, feeding corn silage, silage digestibility