More available energy from enhanced corn hybrid may help increase feed value of silage in a ration.

December 4, 2019

1 Min Read
Syngenta enhanced silage dairy cow.jpg
Syngenta

Research by The Pennsylvania State University found a 4% increase in energy-corrected milk feed efficiency (6% increase uncorrected) with corn silage produced from enhanced corn hybrids (Enogen Feed), with no negative effect on rumen fermentation, according to an announcement from Syngenta.

The enhanced hybrids feature an in-seed alpha-amylase technology that converts starch to usable sugars more quickly than other corn, Syngenta said.

The research, results of which were presented at the 2019 American Dairy Science Assn. Northeast Branch meeting in November, was conducted by graduate research assistant Sergio Welchez and distinguished professor of dairy nutrition Dr. Alex Hristov with Penn State's department of animal science.

In their replicated experiment, they compared the enhanced corn silage to conventional corn silage. The only difference in feed was the type of corn silage used, so the results indicate the effect of the in-seed alpha-amylase technology, Syngenta said.

"This data further confirms results seen in extensive research at several universities and commercial trials," Enogen development specialist Ileen Watson said. "On average, we've found that Enogen Feed corn fed as grain or silage may increase feed efficiency by about 5% compared to corn without the Enogen trait."

Duane Martin, head of marketing for Enogen at Syngenta, added that the enhanced corn hybrids "convert starch to useable sugars more quickly and efficiently than other corn. This results in more available energy and improved feed efficiency, which can lower feed costs and improve profit potential in livestock operations."

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