Researchers tested a new type of corn silage (animal feed) made from shorter corn plants to see if it would help dairy cows produce more milk. They compared this new corn with traditional taller corn and found that cows eating the new corn silage produced about 2 kg more milk per day while eating slightly less total food. The new corn had more energy packed into it, which helped the cows perform better. This discovery could help dairy farmers grow a more efficient crop that produces better results for their herds.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new type of corn with shorter plants (created through selective breeding) could produce better results for dairy cows compared to traditional taller corn varieties
  • Who participated: 24 lactating Holstein dairy cows (a common dairy breed) divided into two equal groups of 12 cows each. The cows were similar in weight, age, and milk production at the start of the study
  • Key finding: Cows fed the new short-stature corn silage produced approximately 1.8 kg more milk per day (44.7 kg versus 42.9 kg) while eating slightly less food overall (25.0 kg versus 26.8 kg per day)
  • What it means for you: If you’re a dairy farmer, this new corn variety might help you produce more milk with less feed, potentially improving your farm’s efficiency and profitability. However, this is one study with a small number of cows, so more research is needed before making major changes to your farming practices

The Research Details

This was a controlled experiment where researchers compared two groups of dairy cows over 10 weeks. Before the experiment started, all cows ate the same diet for 2 weeks so researchers could establish a baseline. Then the cows were divided into two matched groups based on their weight, age, and milk production. One group received silage (chopped and fermented corn) from the new short-stature corn variety, while the other group received silage from traditional tall corn. Researchers carefully measured everything the cows ate, how often they ate, how much milk they produced, and the quality of that milk throughout the entire 70-day study period.

The two corn silages were designed to have the same amount of protein and fiber, but the researchers discovered that the new short-stature corn naturally contained more energy and starch. This meant the cows were getting a more nutrient-dense feed without the researchers intentionally making it that way. The study used standard statistical methods to analyze the data and account for differences between individual cows.

This research approach is important because it tests a real-world scenario—comparing actual corn varieties that farmers might grow. Rather than just looking at the corn’s chemical composition in a lab, the researchers measured how real dairy cows actually responded to eating these different silages. This includes measuring not just milk production, but also how the cows behaved while eating, how efficiently they digested the food, and their overall health markers. This comprehensive approach gives farmers practical information they can actually use.

This study has several strengths: it was published in a respected scientific journal focused on dairy research, the cows were carefully matched between groups to ensure fair comparison, and measurements were taken consistently over a long period (70 days). However, the study used only 24 cows, which is a relatively small number, so results might vary with larger groups. The study was also conducted in a controlled research setting, which may not perfectly reflect real farm conditions. Additionally, the study only lasted 10 weeks, so we don’t know if these benefits would continue over an entire season or year.

What the Results Show

Cows eating the new short-stature corn silage produced significantly more milk—about 1.8 kg more per day compared to cows eating traditional tall corn silage. This is a meaningful increase in milk production. Interestingly, these cows achieved this higher production while actually eating less total food (25.0 kg versus 26.8 kg per day), which suggests their feed was more efficient.

The new corn silage contained more digestible fiber and starch, which meant the cows’ bodies could extract more energy from the same amount of food. The energy content of the new corn silage was measured at 1.47 Mcal/kg compared to 1.40 Mcal/kg for the traditional corn—a meaningful difference in concentrated energy.

Cows eating the new corn also changed their eating patterns. They ate more frequently (8.3 meals per day versus 7.4 meals) but in smaller portions (3.8 kg per meal versus 3.2 kg per meal). This suggests the cows found the new silage easier to eat or more palatable, leading them to graze more often throughout the day.

The quality of the milk produced was similar between the two groups—both produced milk with comparable fat and protein content. The amount of cheese that could be made from the milk was also similar between groups. Cows in both groups maintained similar body weights throughout the study and showed similar immune and metabolic health markers, suggesting neither diet negatively affected overall cow health. These findings are important because they show that the increased milk production wasn’t coming at the expense of milk quality or cow wellness.

This research builds on previous studies showing that corn breeding can improve the nutritional quality of silage for dairy cows. The brachytic mutation (which creates shorter plants) is not entirely new to agriculture, but this study is among the first to thoroughly test its effects on dairy cow performance. Previous research suggested that shorter corn plants might have better energy density, and this study confirms that prediction in a real feeding trial. The results align with the general principle that more digestible feed leads to better animal performance.

The study included only 24 cows, which is a small sample size. Results from a larger group of cows might show different outcomes. The study lasted only 70 days, so we don’t know if the benefits continue over longer periods or if cows might adapt differently over time. The research was conducted in a controlled research facility, not on actual commercial farms, so real-world conditions (different weather, management practices, or farm conditions) might produce different results. The study didn’t examine the cost of growing the new corn variety compared to traditional varieties, which would be important for farmers deciding whether to switch. Additionally, the study only tested one new corn hybrid, so results might differ with other short-stature varieties.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the new short-stature corn silage appears promising for dairy farmers looking to improve milk production efficiency (moderate confidence level—this is one study with a small sample). If you’re a dairy farmer, you might consider testing this new corn variety on a small portion of your farm before switching entirely. Monitor your milk production, feed costs, and overall herd health during any transition. Consult with your veterinarian and agricultural extension office before making major feed changes.

Dairy farmers with lactating cows should find this research most relevant, particularly those looking to improve milk production or feed efficiency. Agricultural researchers and corn breeders developing new varieties would also benefit from these findings. Consumers interested in dairy farming sustainability might appreciate that this approach could reduce the amount of feed needed to produce milk. However, this research is specific to dairy cows and wouldn’t apply to beef cattle, other livestock, or non-dairy farming operations.

Based on this study, improvements in milk production appeared within the 70-day study period, suggesting benefits could be seen relatively quickly—potentially within weeks of switching to the new corn silage. However, it typically takes time for cows to fully adapt to dietary changes, so the first 2-3 weeks might show adjustment periods. Full benefits would likely be apparent within 4-6 weeks of consistent feeding.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily milk production (in kg or pounds) and daily feed intake (in kg or pounds) to calculate feed efficiency ratio. Record this weekly to monitor trends over time. Users could set a goal to improve their feed efficiency by 5-10% and track progress toward that goal.
  • If using a dairy farm management app, users could set reminders to monitor their cows’ eating behavior and meal frequency, noting any changes when switching feed types. Users could log which corn silage variety they’re feeding and correlate it with milk production data to see real-time results on their farm.
  • Establish a baseline of current milk production and feed intake before making any changes. After introducing new corn silage, track these metrics weekly for at least 8-10 weeks to see if improvements match the research findings. Also monitor milk quality (fat and protein content) and cow body condition to ensure overall health isn’t being compromised. Create a simple spreadsheet or use farm management software to visualize trends over time.

This research summary is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary or agricultural advice. Individual results may vary based on farm conditions, management practices, and specific cow genetics. Before making significant changes to your dairy herd’s diet or feed sources, consult with your veterinarian, dairy nutritionist, or local agricultural extension office. This study involved 24 cows over 70 days in a controlled research setting and may not reflect all real-world farm conditions. Always introduce new feed types gradually to allow cows to adjust and monitor their health closely during transitions.