SEPARABLE GRAIN CONTENT OF MATURE WHOLE-PLANT CORN SILAGE
This study investigated the effects of various factors on the amount of grain that might be separated from mature whole-plant corn silage. Materials were stored well-sealed in miniature silos. A high proportion of original grain (81–94%) was present as sizeable fragments or potentially separable grain in silage from two varieties, two harvest dates and two finenesses of chop. Evidence suggested that hybrid variety could influence the amount of grain actually separated by weight classification due to differences in stover moisture content at a constant grain moisture level and/or differences in type of kernel. During storage even in these miniature silos, some translocation or partial equilibration of soluble nitrogen as well as moisture occurred between grain and stover fractions. The finer chop tended to have a slightly lower percentage of whole uncracked kernels. Also, kernel damage was greater when one variety was cut at a relatively low moisture level. The optimum stage for ensiling whole-plant corn for later fractionation would appear to be 30–35% kernel moisture. These results are significant in developing a system of obtaining in one harvest operation stover of high feed quality and grain (for high-producing livestock or ethanol production).Key words: Separable grain, mature corn silage