Corn silage kernel processing

Abstract

The value of whole plant corn as a forage (corn silage) can largely be categorized by two contributions to animal nutrition: fiber and starch and the digestibility of each. In terms of starch, focus is often on total content and digestibility. However, kernel processing addresses a third factor: accessibility. Since a large portion of the starch is inside the kernel and protected by the seed coat it contributes very little to cattle nutrient needs and typically passes through the animal as a whole kernel.