Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate Enogen Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC) as silage. Experiment 1 was a 2 x 5 factorial in which whole plant EFC or a common forage hybrid (CON) were sealed in plastic barrels (45 kg; 4 replicates) and ensiled for 30, 60, 90, 120, or 240 d. Fresh and ensiled forages were characterized with respect to DM, pH, soluble carbohydrates, and NDF, and concentrations of alcohols, lactate, and VFAs were measured in exudate pressed from forages. Silages were placed loosely into insulated containers, exposed to ambient air, and internal temperatures were recorded for 14 d to assess aerobic stability. EFC produced greater concentrations of acetate than CON (144 vs. 128 mM, P increased to 2⁰C above ambient more quickly than EFC (P freshly chopped forages were sealed in vacuum bags (4 replicates) and ensiled for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 15, 18, 24, or 30 d. After ensiling, bags were opened, pH measured, and liquid extract characterized as in Exp 1. Lactate increased and pH decreased at a faster rate for EFC compared to CON. Silage produced from EFC ensiled more quickly and had improved aerobic stability compared to CON.