Corn shredlage - what's the buzz about?

Shredlage vs. KP (normal processed corn silage)
Source: July 9, 2012 Hoard's Webinar

Over the past year, there has been a lot of buzz about corn shredlage, the end product of a new method of harvesting whole-plant corn for silage. The forage is longitudinally ripped, producing stalk pieces at about 1.25" TLOC (theoretical length of cut). In comparison, traditional processed corn silage averages 3/4" TLOC. Shredlage contains a greater  proportion of coarse stover particles which can increase NDF and improve digestibility for dairy cows. 

In late 2011, Luiz Ferraretto and Randy Shaver of the Dairy Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted a feeding trial to compare shredlage and normal processed corn as forages in dairy cow rations. At the end of the trial, there were two areas where shredlage really seemed to shine: DMI and yield of fat-corrected milk. DMI averaged 1.4 lb/day/cow greater for shredlage than processed corn. Plus, the yield of 3.5% fat corrected milk tended to be higher. See chart below.

More data is still needed to fully evaluate the best usage of corn shredlage in dairy rations. However, this initial research indicates that it may be an attractive alternative to adding long hay or straw to a cow's diet.

Sources: "New corn silage utilization for dairy rations" Hoard's Webinar presented by Dr. Mike Hutjens, University of IL, on July 9, 2012.

Luiz Ferraretto & Randy Shaver. "Corn Shredlage for Dairy Cows." Focus on Forage Vol. 14: No. 2: 1-2.