Maize silage is a popular feed for dairy cows due to its high energy and protein content. It is also relatively easy to digest, which makes it an excellent option for cows that are struggling to maintain their body condition. Maize silage in Kenya is grown throughout the year, which means that it is always readily available. In terms of nutrition, maize silage contains more crude protein than both alfalfa and grass silage. It is also a good source of energy, with a higher metabolizable energy content than either of those other options. Maize silage is also generally very palatable to cows, which means they are more likely to consume it willingly. This is important because it can help to encourage cows to eat more during periods of high stress (such as during the lactation period). Overall, maize silage provides an excellent option for dairy farmers who are looking for a high-quality feed for their cows.

There are several other benefits of feeding maize silage to dairy cows in Kenya, including:

• Improves milk production

Maize silage can help improve milk production in two ways. First, the high energy content helps cows maintain their body condition, which is necessary for milk production. Second, the corn in the silage provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are necessary for milk production.

• Improves milk quality

Maize silage can also help improve milk quality. The high protein content helps to build strong bones and teeth, and the corn in the silage provides a good source of nutrients for the cow’s udder.

• Reduces methane emissions

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is produced by dairy cows when they digest their food. Maize silage can help reduce methane emissions because it is easier for cows to digest than other

• Helps cows maintain their body condition during periods of heat stress

Heat stress is a major concern for dairy farmers, as it can impact milk production. Maize silage can help cows maintain their body condition during periods of heat stress because the high energy content helps them to stay cool.

• Helps cows cope with changing diets.

Cows that are fed a diet of maize silage can more easily cope with changes in their diet than those that are not. This is because the corn in the silage provides a good source of nutrients and energy, which helps them to maintain their body condition.

• Helps improve fertility.

Maize silage can also help improve fertility. The high energy and protein content helps cows to maintain their body condition, which is necessary for conception. Additionally, the corn in the silage provides a good source of nutrients for the developing fetus.

• Helps reduce the risk of bloating.

Bloating is a common problem in dairy cows, and it can be fatal. Maize silage can help reduce the risk of bloating because it is easier for cows to digest than other types of feed.

• Helps reduce the incidence of liver abscesses.

Liver abscesses are a common problem in dairy cows, and they can be caused by a number of different factors. Maize silage can help reduce the incidence of liver abscesses because it is easier for cows to digest than other types of feed.

• Helps improve feed conversion efficiency.

Feed conversion efficiency is the amount of feed that a cow needs to consume in order to produce a certain amount of milk. Maize silage can help improve feed conversion efficiency because the high energy content helps cows to maintain their body condition. Additionally, the corn in the silage provides a good source of nutrients for milk production.

• Helps improve butterfat levels in milk.

Butterfat is the fatty portion of milk, and it is an important component of dairy products. Maize silage can help improve butterfat levels in milk because of the high energy content and nutritional value in maize silage.

From these benefits, it is evident that maize silage is an excellent option for dairy farmers in Kenya. Maize silage can help improve milk production, milk quality, and fertility while also helping to reduce the incidence of liver abscesses and bloating. Additionally, maize silage is an excellent source of nutrients for the developing fetus. Therefore, if you are a dairy farmer in Kenya, you should consider feeding your cows maize silage. Contact us at Feed and Fodder for all your Maize silage needs and more.