ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

What proportion of the dry matter weight of corn silage is typically comprised of corn grain?

1. 25%

2. 40%

3. 50%

4. 60%

The correct answer is: 50%

Corn silage is a fermented, high-moisture feed made from whole corn plants, including the stalks, leaves, and ears. When considering the composition of corn silage, it’s important to acknowledge that corn grain contributes significantly to its dry matter content. Typically, the proportion of corn grain in the dry matter weight of corn silage averages around 40-50%. While specific values can vary based on crop conditions, harvesting methods, and silage management practices, the commonly accepted figure is that around 50% represents a reasonable estimate of corn grain within the overall dry matter of the silage. This is due to the fact that the ears of corn, which contain the grain, are a substantial part of the corn plant when harvested for silage. The percentages noted in the choices indicate a range form around 25% to 60%. A figure of 50% strikes a balance that most aligns with established agricultural studies and feeding guidelines for livestock. Understanding this helps in evaluating the nutritional value and feed efficiency of corn silage as it pertains especially to ruminant diets. In light of this, the correct choice of 50% is justified by the typical composition and significance of corn grain in corn silage.