Effects of Corn Moisture and Length of Ensiling on Dry Matter Digestibility and Rumen Degradable Protein

Abstract

An in situ trial was conducted to evaluate effects of corn moisture and length of ensiling on dry matter digestibility (ISDMD) and degradable intake protein (DIP). Corn treatments consisted of dry-rolled, high-moisture, and reconstituted dry corn. Corn samples were incubated in situ for 22 hours and ISDMD (%) and DIP (% of CP) values were calculated. Both high moisture and reconstituted corn had higher ISDMD and DIP values than dry-rolled corn. Dry matter digestibility and degradable intake protein increased for high-moisture and reconstituted corn when either moisture or length of ensiling was increased.