Comparative value of silages based on digestibility

Abstract

Price discovery for sorghum silages generally uses corn silage as a base value. Discounts are then applied using general assumptions of relative energy concentrations. However, there are variations in the energy value of silages. Recent data provided by a commercial laboratory in Kansas shows that, for the region including Texas, TDN values for corn silages averaged 70.9% but ranged 9-10% points either side of this average. The broad classification of sorghum silage averaged 63.7% and ranged 15% points either side of this average. Hence, there were sorghum silages with equal or greater value than average corn silage, and there were corn silages with values equal to or lower than average sorghum silage. Broadly classifying silages and pricing according to general assumptions of relative energy value does not adequately compensate or discount the actual silage being marketed. An alternative method of pricing would be based on the digestibility or energy value of the silage delivered. A base price would be set for a given digestibility or energy value then all silages could be evaluated and priced accordingly