As nutritionists and researchers nationwide are exploring the benefits of feeding softer grain corn hybrids, Masters Choice’s hybrid variety MC527 silage samples win both grand champion and grand champion first time entrant at the 2014 Forage Analysis Superbowl. Two other Masters Choice varieties also took 3rd and 5th place in the standard corn silage division.
The MC527 samples that out performed all other forages in the Forage Analysis Superbowl were based on a standard forage analysis, Milk Per Ton, and a visual score. These two samples had the 2nd and 3rd highest Milk Per Ton of all corn silage samples, including BMR corn samples. The Milk 2006 formula to calculate Milk Per Ton does not even consider floury grain’s greatest attributes:
• Floury grain stays in the rumen up to twice as long as vitreous grain.
• Floury starch has been shown to digest at a rate nearly twice that of vitreous grain.
• Rumen degraded starch supplies energy by volatile fatty acid production and contributes to protein metabolism through increased microbial yield.
“We’ve been approached by top research universities in the country, and they are excited about planting our corn hybrids and seeing how floury grain can benefit producers and dairymen,” said Lyn Crabtree, Masters Choice owner. “And what they are going to see is that the floury starch is more accessible, resulting in improved milk production.”
Floury grain offers the agronomic strengths of traditional corn hybrids along with the benefit of greater ruminal starch digestion. Floury corn hybrids have an advantage in early season feeding, as they have higher starch availability, reducing the need for prolonged ensiling. This benefit allows farmers to avoid a dip in early season milk production.
For more information on floury grain please go to www.seedcorn.com or call 1-866-444-1044.