Corn silage rumen undegradable protein levels and extent of digestion

• Published in: Journal of animal science Vol. 95; p. 170
• Main Authors: Oney, C R, Watson, A K, Erickson, G E, MacDonald, J C, Gramkow, J L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Champaign Oxford University Press 01-03-2017
• Subjects: Corn; Corn silage; Digestibility; Digestion; Feeds; Grain; Moisture content; Proteins; Rumen; Silage; Soybeans; Vegetables
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.2527/asasmw.2017.350

An abstract of a study by Erickson et al assessing the amount and extent of digestion of RUP in corn silage is presented. In Exp. 1, RUP as a percent of CP was greatest for Soypass (P = 0.02) with no differences between the 2 corn silages, averaging 23.2% (SEM 7.4), similar to soybean meal (SBM). As a percent of DM, RUP was also greatest for Soypass (P < 0.01), intermediate for SBM, and least for the corn silages, averaging 1.7% (SEM 1.6). In Exp. 2, RUP as a percent of DM was greatest for Soypass (P < 0.01) intermediate for Empyreal, and least for the corn silages, averaging 1.2% (SEM 0.28). As a percent of CP, RUP was greatest for Soypass (P < 0.01), intermediate for both corn silages averaging 14.7% (SEM 1.1), and least for Empyreal due to washout of bags. In Exp. 3, as moisture content of the corn grain increased, RUP as a percent of DM linearly decreased (P < 0.01). The RUP content and RUP digestibility of corn silage is low. Increased moisture content makes the grain portion of corn silage more digestible in the rumen, further decreasing total RUP levels.