Mycogen Seeds introduces what it says is a “revolutionary” new corn silage hybrid line. Unified corn silage with SilaSoft — a technology trait that produces a softer corn kernel — brings together a unique combination of fiber digestibility and highly digestible starch.

In 2015 feeding trials conducted at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, N.Y., a dairy cattle research center, Unified corn silage increased feed efficiency 7%, butterfat 7% and protein 13% over silage made from conventional hybrids, according to the company. Energy-corrected milk production from cows fed Unified silage averaged 10.1 pounds more per cow per day than cows fed silage made from conventional hybrids.

“Unified corn silage is the next step in silage innovation. It answers the need for high-fiber digestibility paired with digestible starch, which delivers real value to dairy producers,” says Rachael Christiansen, silage portfolio marketing leader for Mycogen Seeds. “Whole-plant digestibility helps increase dry matter intake, delivers more available energy and improves rumen health, which translates to more milk and better components.”

“Unified corn silage changes the game,” says Jim Henry, dairy development manager for Mycogen Seeds. “It gives producers the option to build a high-forage ration with both high neutral detergent fiber digestibility and digestible starch for better results with the same inputs. That means better feed efficiency, which makes a big impact on the bottom line.”  

Beyond whole-plant digestibility and increased milk production, the softer kernel in Unified corn silage offers advantages during harvest, in storage and at the feed bunk.

“Because it is the only product with SilaSoft technology, Unified is more forgiving at harvest and allows for a wider harvest window,” Henry says. “It also enables earlier feed-out since the softer kernel requires less fermentation time. Producers are seeing positive results when feeding just six weeks after harvest. That is a big advantage when managing inventory.”

Unified corn silage hybrids are available in limited quantities for spring 2018 planting.

For more information, contact a Mycogen Seeds dealer, sales representative or nutritionist, or visit mycogen.com/unified.

Source: Mycogen Seeds