November 18, 2010
BLGG AgroXpertus and Provimi offer insight in corn silage digestion
BLGG AgroXpertus and Provimi have invented a method to foresee the degradation of starch in corn silage.
This method offers new insight into the changes in rumen-resistant starch content and the rate of starch fermentation for rumen in corn silages during storage.
These new information allows dairy farmers and their advisors to maximise the cow''s diet throughout the year. Shortages of glucogenic energy and the risk of rumen acidosis, causing depressed milk production eventually, may be prevented by using the newly developed parameters in diet formulation.
Provimi and BLGG AgroXpertus have concluded from years of study that in almost all corn silages in the Netherlands, the starch degradation rate increases during storage.
The extent to which the rumen resistance of starch declines differs between silages. With less amount of resistant starch, the degradation rate of the silage fastens.
This is shown in the FK1 fraction within the PFOS feed evaluation system of Provimi. This FKH1 fraction indicates the degradation of fast carbohydrates.
With faster fermentation in the rumen, the risk of rumen acidosis increases. It is critical for dairy farmers to know exactly the composition of their forages, to get maximal benefit from that forages.
If the ration does not contain sufficiently resistant starch, this will decrease the milk yield and milk protein content.
The newly developed corn silage characteristics for resistant starch and PFOS fractions offer tools to further refine the ration formulations in all seasons.
KuilKenner has presented the decline in resistant starch of corn silages in a practical overview on the analysis report.
The percentage of resistant starch is given for winter (start value), spring, and summer. Also, the total decline during storage is given.
Especially for Provimi clients, the PFOS fractions for winter, spring, and summer are also presented in the report.
The advisor may use these predictions to obtain the optimal ration in each season.
Beside the new value for resistant starch, BLGG AgroXpertus also gives the analytical results for chlorine and pH to the nutritional value report of corn silages.
Furthermore, colour codes have been introduced for dry matter content, digestibility coefficient of organic matter, and resistant starch content. These codes give immediate insight in the actual levels compared to the desired values.
All improvements mentioned are introduced under the new name "KuilKennermaize silage".