Saving money on feed cost is the single biggest factor in a profitable livestock operation. For ruminants, forage that contributes a large portion of digestible energy from NDF and starch will make a big impact on lowering feed costs. For this reason, Byron Seeds adopted a guide for our corn hybrids to let you know which hybrids rise to the top like cream in a bottle.
When Byron Seed was first setting out to develop our own line of corn hybrids, we knew from past experience that there were differences in corn hybrids in both kernel hardness and starch availability; as well difference in the digestibility of the forage portion. We wanted to set a new standard in the seed industry of selling seed from the best hybrids available in the industry if they were to be considered for the KingFisher brand. This led to selecting only the better than average to make the KF lineup and to receive the Fibergest and Sofstarch designation; thereby assuring our customers to have the best corn forage.
How do we decide if a corn hybrid meets the standards? We rely on multiple years and multiple locations to provide a wide sample of growing conditions. Next, we look for consistent performance agronomically as well as forage analysis. But with the FiberGest and Sofstarch designations, we focus on key indicators on a feed and forage test. Key indicators are high NDFD30, close to 60% of NDF, for non-BMR hybrids, under 10% uNDF240 on a dry matter basis. Another number we are looking at more is the Kd rate. Kd stands for the rate of digestion(d) per hour in the rumen. We look for a Kd number >7% of the NDF/hour. A higher number means that more is digested per hour, which means there is a greater supply of energy per hour and that there will be more room created in the rumen. Also, most likely a lower uNDF240 which allows for greater dry matter intake.
For Sofstarch, we focus more on the 7- hour starch digestion test. We expect starch to digest faster than forage NDF, so that is why we use seven hours as the time point. We can improve both the rate and extent of starch digestion with processing or grinding; but even then, there are still differences in hybrids. For 7-hour starch digestion, the normal range is about 65% to 80%. We aim for starch digestion in the upper half of that range. To achieve that, starch will be digesting over 20% of the remaining starch in the grain. Efficient starch digestion enhances the microbial digestion of NDF as well.
Another important point to remember is the moisture of the grain at harvest has a large effect on starch digestibility and fiber digestion. This is why we stress the importance of proper harvest moistures. Moisture at harvest is a good indicator of plant maturity. Digestion of starch and fiber decreases with increasing maturity.
Farms should have a portfolio of corn hybrids in order to best fit the field and spread the risk of different performance each year. But, knowing there is a guide to help you make better choices of each of your hybrids helps you lower your risk and increase the your confidence in KF hybrids and Byron Seed.