Abstract
Four field experiments in Hokkaido were carried out to investigate the chemical characteristics and nutritive value of ensiled corn grain (high moisture shelled corn (HMSC)) and corn cob mixed grain (corn cob mix (CCM)) harvested at black layer stage using combine harvester with snapper head. The contents of moisture neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom), acid detergent fiber (ADFom) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) of HMSC were lower than those of CCM, although range of difference was different among experiments. Despite low moisture contents of grain materials, HMSC and CCM showed good silage fermentative quality with low VBN/TN and some lactic acid, acetic acid and ethanol contained. Total digestive nutrients (TDN) estimated by total fecal collection method using wether for HMSC was higher than that of CCM (HMSC : 90.9%, CCM : 84.3%). The results showed that ensiled low moisture corn grain or cob mixed grain material will be well preserved as HMSC or CCM if the silo is satisfactory sealed preventing exposure to air. Considering the high nutritive value of HMSC and CCM, these can be utilized as self-supplied concentrate feed for dairy cow.
