Can harvest maturity and theoretical length of cut be optimized to improve fermentation Quality And Starch Utilization In Whole-Plant Corn Silage?

Whole-plant corn silage is a central component of ruminant feeding systems due to its high energy density and consistent fermentation profile.However, silage nutritive value is strongly influenced by harvest management, particularly forage maturity, hybrid characteristics, and mechanical processing during ensiling.As corn plants advance in physiological maturity, grain filling increases dry matter and starch concentrations, while changes in kernel vitreousness and fiber composition may reduce ruminal nutrient availability.This study evaluated the combined effects of corn hybrid, forage maturity at harvest, and theoretical length of cut (TLC) on fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, physical traits, kernel processing efficiency, and in situ ruminal degradability of whole-plant corn silage.Three corn hybrids (LG 6030, LG 6036, and AG 1051) were harvested at two maturity stages (300 and 370 g/kg dry matter) and processed at three TLCs (3, 5, and 7 mm) using a forage harvester without a kernel processor.Silages were stored for 90 days in experimental silos.Chemical composition, fermentation products, microbial populations, dry matter losses, aerobic stability, particle size distribution, kernel processing score, and in situ degradability of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and starch were determined.Significant interactions among hybrid, maturity, and TLC were observed for most variables.Advancing maturity increased starch concentration but reduced kernel processing efficiency and nutrient degradability, particularly at higher dry matter contents.Reducing TLC improved physical processing and starch availability at lower dry matter concentrations but was ineffective at advanced maturity stages.These results demonstrate that forage maturity and processing strategies must be aligned with hybrid characteristics to optimize silage quality, ruminal nutrient utilization, and feeding value in ruminant production systems.