| Question In some regions, drought has significantly impacted corn growth. How can this affect silage quality? Answer Drought can have multiple effects on the quality of corn silage. First, the starch content may be lower, while fiber digestibility and sugar levels might be higher. Overall, the energy value of the silage is expected to be lower than usual. A forage analysis will help your nutrition advisor adjust rations accordingly. Although dry weather doesn’t promote the fungal diseases responsible for mycotoxin production, it can cause significant stress in corn plants. And a stressed corn plant has less energy to defend itself against disease. Therefore, mycotoxin levels should be monitored. Finally, a corn plant lacking water struggles to convert soil nitrogen into protein, which can lead to nitrate accumulation in the lower stalks—especially during the 5 to 7 days following rainfall that ends a drought period. Nitrate levels will decrease after a 3-week fermentation period, but this could result in the production of toxic silo gas. Since nitrates can be harmful to animals, it’s important to have your forage analyzed if you have any doubts. | .png?1757447874385)
