MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. Com hybrids that produce high tonnage yields and have a high percentage of grain are winners. That may be the conventional wis dom, but research from Michigan State University suggests that it’s shortsighted. “We’re learning that com silage isn’t just com silage,” said Dr. Mike Allen, a Michigan State dairy forage nutritionist. “Our work shows that factors such as crude protein, energy, and fiber digestibility are highly variable among com hybrids. These factors cna have a big impact on livestock performance.” Allen and his research associ ates utilize a sophisticated ‘in vit ro’ rumen fermentation method of testing hybrids for quality traits. The process involves the use of live ruminant microbial fluid to measure digestibility traits among com hybrids. Other methods are With more than a dozen compact diesel tractors under 40 HP, Kubota provides a farmer’s dozen ingenious ways to make them work harder and smarter for you. Implements include Kubota Tillers. Backhoes. Mid-Mount or Rear-Mount Mowers. Post Hole Diggers. Disc Han Loaders. Boxscrape; Rear Blades. Rotar For wintry cli: Kubota’s optional blower can blow yo away. For our fine o diesel tractors, a fa: dozen quality impli ments are available from Kubota. PENNSYLVANIA’S LARGEST KUBOTA DEALER , Factors Influence Silage Quality ». imp-™ Many available, but this is the most accurate, he said. Allen found surprising differ ences in silage quality when he analyzed 32 com hybrids from several seed companies in laborat ory tests during the past two years. For example, he found differences among hybrids of up to 20 percent in crude protein, 15 percent in energy, and 30 to 45 percent in fiber digestibility. Hybrids in two maturity ranges 95 to 110-day and 110- to 120-day were evaluated. “The 1989 hybrid data was largely repeatable from the 1988 hybrid tests. This means it’s possi ble to provide more information to farmers concerning the character istics of com silage hybrids so they can select for traits that are most important to them,” said Allen. He said that high digestibility is extremely important for top dairy IKUBOin Nothing like it on earth! performance during early lacta tion. High protein levels are more important at times when supple mental protein prices are extreme ly high. Given the repeatable differ ences in protein and energy from low to high levels in the hybrids that we analyzed, there is the potential for dairy fanners to save up to 25 cents per cow per day in purchased feed costs for cows pro ducing 60 pounds of milk. In addi tion, dry matter intake" can be higher with forages with highly digestible fiber, which can result in higher milk production, he said. For beef cattle, the differences in energy density from one hybrid to another could result in a half pound gain per day, he said. Jim Beck, forage quality mana ger for Cargill Hybrid Seeds, said that based on this research the company has developed quality profiles on its com product line and is using a “menu” approach that allows producers to select hybrids according to the feed value traits most important to them. “The research at Michigan State, which included some of our hybrids, plus preliminary research that we have conducted since 1985 prompted us to develop this program,” said Beck. “I think it will go a long way to break the ‘com is com’ myth. During 1990, we are screening 48 hybrids from 75 locations in 19 states. The hybrids include four maturities in the 80- to 130-day range.” The Cargill Hybrid Seeds com silage menu includes a numerical rating index for various hybrid qualities such as grain yield, silage tonnage, digestibility, intake potential, and crude protein. Beck said Cargill’s silage selection programs also emphas ize proper management and stor PAUL B Your Complete Headquarters For Sprayers And Parts Self-Primi Centrifuga Pumps • ‘S’ Series Pedestal Pump l'/i ” or 2” . Ports Reg $125 00 SPECIAL $llO.OO • 3 HP ‘S’ Series VA " Or 2” Ports Reg 5205 00 SPECIAL $210.00 $179.00 Raven Tough Polyethylene Tanks " F P^ N AY ftR T | VNKS ’ ALL SIZES We Also Sprayer Nozzles And . Accessories PACT, B. ZIMMERMAN, INC. *95 Wnofeonw tU., LWo, PA 1*545 / HOUHS ■> 1 Wan of Efkna I (717) 738-1121 I »'« ™»> • IUKDWAKt • PAPM SUPPUM - CUSTOM MANWACTIJZING . CSANE WSVICI age procedures. “If proper harvest and storage procedures aren’t followed, then the most fine-tuned hybrid selec tion process will be compromised. That’s why we’re trying to tie everything together,” he said. As part of these educational efforts, the company sponsors what it calls “bum-down days” in selected areas before com silage harvest each year. ‘S’ Series With I/C Bnggs Engine 2” Ports Reg $305 00 SPECIAL • 5 HP ‘S’ Series 2” Ports Reg $242 00 SPECIAL $275.00 • STATIONARY TANKS For 25 fJAI Uqurd Fertilizer S.oragc •lock A Complete Hypro 11 Pumps And Accessories “Farmers bring 4 to 6 stalks of com to a central location where they are shredded and dried in a microwave oven,” said Beck. “Based on the silage moisture content, a five-day harvest range is then projected about two weeks before harvest that should provide the optimum time to harvest com silage for best quality. 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