The new maize harvest is just around the corner. The yield and quality remain to be seen, but the hot and dry summer will probably–just as in 2018–cause significant variations in feed values. This means that switching from old to fresh silage maize will require considerable attention. In addition to an analysis of the new silage, cow behaviour, milk production and manure quality can tell us a lot about the digestibility of the new maize silage.

The digestibility of maize silage is highly dependent on the chopping stage and the silage duration. The nutritional value is highest with a well-matured ear with a dry matter (DM) content of at least 35%. The more mature the ear, the higher the DM content and the higher the stability of the starch.

During the ensiling process, the stability of the starch decreases: fresh maize silage contains twice as much stable starch as older silages, on average. Stable starch is an efficient source of glucose, but if too much stable starch is fed (> 1,400 g/cow/day), digestion in the intestine is much less efficient. An excess of stable starch can thus result in colon acidosis. The risk of digestive problems after starting up the new maize silage is highest during the first 4 months. After that, digestibility and stability are at their highest.

New versus old maize silage: what is the difference?

Ronozyme Rumistar

Rumistar is a registered alpha-amylase enzyme by DSM which increases the digestibility of the maize starch in the rumen and intestine. The breakdown products of starch in the rumen (oligosaccharides) form a breeding ground for cell wall-degrading bacteria (= prebiotic effect). Rumistar, therefore, not only stimulates starch digestion, but also fibre or NDF digestion. This is the lowest with fresh maize silage. The increase in fibre digestion even leads to a visible effect on the manure structure.

The use of Rumistar is the most appropriate:

  • During the first 4 months after ensilage of dough-stage maize
  • For maize silage with highly stable starch (>27%)
  • For rations that include a high proportion of maize silage: > 8 kg DM / total ration

 

Practical trial confirms positive effect on digestibility and milk production

The increased digestibility of the maize silage results in more available energy and, therefore, in higher milk production. This was recently confirmed by a two-year trial on a commercial cattle farm. Cows that were fed Rumistar produced more milk after switching from the old to the new maize silage. During the first trial year, the Rumistar cows recorded 1.2 litres of additional milk in the first 3 months after switching. In the following year this rose to + 2.0 litres.

The effects on milk production are clearly at their highest during the first 4 months after the switch from old to new. Excellent proof that Rumistar increases the digestibility of the new maize silage!

Ready to get started with Ronozyme Rumistar?!

Dosage: 12.5 g Ronozyme Rumistar per cow and per day (e.g. via protein corrector or mineral mixture).

The enzyme is also available in the form of an additional animal feed (100 grams per cow and per day). Please consult your contact at Twilmij DSM for more information about this product!

Animal Nutritionist Dr I. Gantois