Corn fodder is one of the most important and widely used agricultural crops, mainly grown for feeding livestock—especially ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Fodder corn includes the entire corn plant (stem, leaves, and unripe or ripe ears) which is usually harvested whole and chopped to produce silage. Corn silage is a fermented, compacted feed with long shelf life and is considered an excellent nutritional resource for livestock. In this article from Ladorfat, we will discuss fodder corn in more detail.
Ensiling is an ancient method of preserving forage in anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions in which the soluble sugars in the forage are fermented by lactic acid bacteria. This process reduces the pH of the material and produces lactic acid, preventing spoilage. Corn silage—made from the whole corn plant harvested at a suitable moisture level and maturity stage (usually when kernels are sufficiently developed)—is one of the most important and high-quality forage resources in the global livestock industry, especially for dairy and beef cattle.
The process of producing corn silage is divided into two main stages: planting and harvesting.
Achieving high-quality fodder corn greatly depends on proper and precise implementation of planting and crop management practices. Below are the key steps:
First, a soil test should be conducted to determine pH (ideal 6–7), nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), and soil structure.
Based on the test results, base fertilizers—phosphorus, potassium, and part of the nitrogen—should be applied before planting.
The land must be deeply plowed so the soil becomes soft, uniform, and well-aerated.
Land leveling is essential for uniform irrigation, especially in flood-irrigation systems.
For fodder corn, hybrid varieties with high biomass production (stems and leaves) and suitable for the local climate should be used.
Corn is a warm-season crop. Planting should begin after the danger of spring frost has passed and when soil temperature at 5 cm depth reaches 10–12°C.
In temperate regions: late April to early June and in warm regions (spring planting): late March to early spring.
Planting is done in rows using a pneumatic planter to ensure uniform density.
Planting depth is 3–7 cm: shallower (≈3 cm) in heavy/moist soils and deeper (5–7 cm) in light/dry soils.
Since the goal in fodder corn is maximum green biomass, planting density is higher than grain corn.
Row spacing is 70–75 cm, and plant spacing within rows is 15–20 cm, giving a final density of 75,000–90,000 plants/ha.
Immediately after planting, the field must be irrigated to provide sufficient moisture for rapid, uniform germination.
Under ideal temperature and moisture conditions, seeds typically germinate and emerge in 5–10 days.
Corn is a water-demanding crop, requiring regular irrigation, especially during critical growth stages (germination, 4–8 leaf stage, stem elongation, flowering, and grain filling).
Weeds compete heavily for light, water, and nutrients, so chemical or mechanical control early in the season is essential.
Most nitrogen fertilizer is applied during the growing season in several split applications (side-dressing), often with irrigation.
Pest and disease management—especially for stem borers, aphids, and smut—must be taken seriously, particularly in early growth stages.
Corn silage production is a controlled fermentation process that preserves nutrients for long-term storage. Its main steps include:
This is the most important step. The best harvest time is when whole-plant moisture is 65–70% and kernels are in the firm-dough stage to early dent (milk-line formation).
Harvesting too early (high moisture) causes nutrient loss and poor fermentation. Harvesting too late (low moisture) makes chopping and compaction more difficult.
The entire plant is chopped using harvesters. Chop size should be 1–2.5 cm to allow good packing and easy consumption by animals.
Chopped forage must be transported to the silo immediately. Thorough compaction by tractor or roller is essential to remove all oxygen from the silage mass.
After packing, the silo must be sealed quickly and completely with thick, high-quality plastic sheets to keep oxygen out.
This marks the beginning of anaerobic fermentation.Fermentation then proceeds, preserving the feed for long-term use.
Under anaerobic conditions, beneficial bacteria—especially lactic acid–producing bacteria—begin consuming the sugars present in the corn and produce lactic acid. This lactic acid rapidly reduces the silage pH to around 4 or lower. Such an acidic environment prevents the growth of molds and harmful bacteria, thereby preserving the forage. Properly fermented silage is usually ready for use after 3 to 6 weeks.
Corn silage, due to its considerable amount of soluble carbohydrates and starch (found in the kernels), is a very rich energy source for livestock and is widely used as a major component in ruminant diets. Its main benefits include:
The high starch content in corn kernels provides abundant energy for maintenance and production (milk and meat). High-quality corn silage can supply a significant portion of the energy required by dairy cows.
Livestock—especially cattle—readily consume corn silage with high appetite, which increases dry matter intake and improves herd productivity.
Compared to dry forage, ensiling results in lower losses. High-quality silages—particularly bagged silages—have minimal spoilage due to controlled fermentation and strictly anaerobic conditions, making them cleaner and free from mold and fungi.
This method enables long-term storage of forage for year-round use, especially during periods of fresh forage shortage or unfavorable weather conditions.
Corn silage consumption is directly associated with increased milk yield in dairy cows and better finishing performance in beef cattle.
This characteristic helps improve the digestive efficiency of the animal.
Low Protein: Corn silage is relatively low in crude protein. Therefore, it must be supplemented with other protein sources (such as soybean meal, alfalfa, etc.) in the diet.
Low Vitamin A: Due to the loss of beta-carotene during drying/ensiling, its vitamin A content is low and requires supplementation.
Although the primary use of corn silage is in ruminant feeding, some studies have explored the use of ensiled forages as part of poultry diets. However, because poultry require high-energy, low-fiber diets and have a digestive system very different from ruminants, fodder corn (silage) is not typically a major component of poultry feed. Instead, corn grain and specialized concentrates are commonly used.
Corn is cultivated for two main purposes:
The primary goal is producing grain (dry ears) for human consumption or poultry feed.
Plant population per hectare is lower so that ears have enough space to grow and fill properly.
The main goal is producing the maximum amount of high-quality green biomass (stems and leaves).
Harvesting is done when the whole plant (stem, leaves, and kernels) reaches the appropriate forage maturity stage (usually when kernels are in the dough stage).
Plant population per hectare is higher.
Silage quality is directly linked to two essential factors: proper moisture content (dry matter percentage) at harvest and maintaining strict anaerobic conditions.
Good silage should be olive-green in color and have a vinegar-like (lactic acid) smell. The presence of ammonia, mold, or a butyric acid odor indicates poor fermentation and reduced quality.
Companies such as Ala oil Sepahan are among the active and leading producers in Iran’s livestock and poultry feed industry. These companies focus on the nutritional needs of the country’s livestock sector and rely on scientific expertise and specialized teams to produce various types of animal and poultry feeds.
Ala oil Sepahan Company, under the brand name Lador and managed by Mr. Saeed Alaei, produces vitamin and mineral premixes, concentrates, and complete feeds. It also operates accredited specialized laboratories that work to improve feed quality and conduct precise analyses (including dry matter analysis of corn silage). By offering high-quality products, this company contributes significantly to enhancing the efficiency and economic value of the livestock industry.
Ladorfat in addition to fodder corn, also produces and supplies products such as animal soybean oil, Sunflower oil as well as hydrogenated sunflower oil.
Corn silage is a low-cost, high-quality, and highly palatable energy source with an important role in formulating diets for high-producing and fattening livestock. Proper management of its production, processing, and storage (including modern packaging methods) ensures herd health and economic efficiency in livestock farming.
For pricing information and further details, contact our experts at Ladorfat.
