Dry-Rolled Corn Reconstitution Using Sorghum Silage

Three levels of dry rolled corn (DRC) were reconstituted on sorghum silage to determine fermentations characteristics, losses profile, and the nutritional value of blends post fermentation phase. Laboratory experimental silos, the experimental units, (n = 49; 3/treatment; 18.93 L units with sand in bottom for effluent collection and gas valve on top for gas release) were treated for the three DRC levels (0%, 25%, and 50%, DM basis) on three sorghum hybrid harvesting sites. Experimental silos were assigned in a randomized complete block design and ensiled for 108, 114 and 115 d; silos were opened together and measured for gas and effluent losses. Samples taken post storage period were analyzed for DM, ash, in vitro true dry matter digestibility (24h and 30h), pH, and total starch. An aerobic stability measurement phase (5, 10, and 15d post silo opening) in which, DM losses and pH was evaluated. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedures of SAS; orthogonal contrasts were used to test for linear and quadratic effects of DRC inclusion of measured variables. Total DM loss of silos for 50% DRC inclusion had the least (P < 0.01) loss (5.96%) compared both DRC at 0 and 25% inclusion. Gas loss linearly decreased (P < 0.01) by 7% as DRC was included. Volume of effluent, L/ tonne of DM ensiled linearly decreased (P < 0.01) as DRC 50% was included by 27 L compared to DRC 0%. The 50% DRC inclusion showed linear increase (P < 0.01) in vitro DM digestibility, in both 24 and 30 h; while corn inclusion linearly increased (P < 0.01) digestibility of OM of materials. Silages containing corn were on average 24h more stable (P < 0.01) than control treatment, in which a quadratic effect showing silages containing 25% corn with the greatest (P < 0.01) stability (130 h). Losses post opening tended (P = 0.10) to be decrease in corn treated silages. Current results show the potential for such strategy, since dry-rolled corn reconstitution in sorghum silages not only improved nutritional value of silages, but also minimized losses related to fermentation process, as well as improved stability of material during the silage post-opening aerobic phase.