Chemical composition and nutritive value of corn silage harvested in the northeastern United States after Tropical Storm Irene

Abstract

In the fall of 2011, Hurricane (Tropical Storm) Irene caused significant damage to the forage corn crop in the northeastern United States. Compromised crops were subjected to various degrees of flooding, lodging, and contamination with sediment. The objective of this study was to determine if compromised plants harvested for silage fermented normally and if the nutritive value of these silages was adversely affected. The chemical and nutrient composition of compromised silages was compared with that from silages made from unaffected plants from the same region. The concentration of NEL and in vitro digestibility of NDF were lower in plants compromised by the hurricane. In addition, the ash content of compromised silages was higher than that of unaffected silages. Specifically, concentrations of Al, Co, Fe, and Mn were higher in compromised silages. Overall, silage fermentation appeared to be normal; the final silage pH, and concentrations of fermentation acids, alcohols, and esters were similar between compromised and unaffected silages. Numbers of yeasts (but not molds) tended to be higher in compromised silage than in unaffected silage. Pathogenic microorganisms were not detected in any silage. The incidences and concentrations of mycotoxins were similar between compromised and normal silage. Several farms that fed compromised silage reported subsequent health issues with their animals.