Benefits of High Oil Corn
Corn silage is generally the least expensive energy source in a dairy ration; however, when additional energy is required more expensive fats and oils are added. Lipids (fats and oils) contain 225% the amount of energy as an equal weight of starch, the predominant energy source in shelled corn.
Over the years, corn inbreds and hybrids with at least 9% oil have been developed through conventional breeding techniques (non-GMO). Corn with a greater energy density can help solve several nutritional dilemmas. In ruminants (particularly high producing dairy cattle), energy in the diet can be increased without increasing the grain portion of the diet reducing the risk of acidosis. Depending on the nutritional situation of the dairy herd, several important benefits are generally achieved: increased production, better components, and healthier cows. Testing has shown up to a 6 pound per head per day increase in milk production where energy is a limiting factor in the diet.
Improved Agronomics
Historically, the feeding benefits have been overshadowed by agronomic and pollination problems. In recent years, a new approach, called ‘Side-KickTM’, has enabled corn growers to realize the benefits of high oil corn while minimizing the production risks. By capping-off each planter box or seed tender with 25% of a similar maturity high oil hybrid (see chart for available Brown Seed E+ hybrids) on top of a grower’s favorite grain or silage hybrid and planting a slightly higher population, a grain product with up to 50% more oil (5.2% vs 3.5%)* can be consistently produced. This means greater energy content per pound of grain or silage consumed as feed.
Charles Brown, the 3rd generation owner of Brown Seed, has been working with High-Oil inbreds for decades. The fruit of his labors are a continually advancing line of High-Oil hybrids that can enhance the energy content of the corn hybrids already proven on a given farm using his Side-Kick approach. Following is an economic comparison based on silage data collected this past fall.
Up to 50% More Oil
Brown Seed E+ hybrids marketed by Fowler Seed Marketing for use in a Side-Kick program are flex-eared, dual purpose products that boost oil levels in the harvested grain up to 50% (5.0 to 5.5% oil on average) without yield drag or additional pollination risk. They emerge quickly and exhibit excellent heat, drought and disease tolerance.
The Bottom Line
Silage data from Wayne County, Ohio this year (2017) showed a 4.6% increase in tonnage and increases in both oil and protein such that milk per ton was 91 pounds higher than the conventional hybrid resulting in a $15.02 greater value per ton based on the increased production of $16.50 milk. Seed cost is slightly higher, but returned over $412 per acre per dollar invested than the OSU Enterprise Budget.
For more information about Brown Seed E+ high-oil products click on the provided links. For an individual consultation about how to make these products work on your farm, email support@dairy4profit.com, call (888) 249-SEED or visit the DEALER page on our website www.fowlerseed.com/dealers to contact a dealer in your area.
