Adding Urea to Corn Silage

Considerable interest in adding urea to corn silage at ensiling time has been shown in recent years because of the low protein content of corn silage. Also, when fed in proper amounts, urea is a low-cost source of protein.

Research results at Virginia Tech and the Forage Research Station, Middleburg, as well as other state research stations, indicate that urea can be added to corn silage at ensiling time and good response obtained in beef and dairy animals. Adding urea to corn silage raises the level of protein in the silage, thus, a lower percent protein supplement can be fed, or in feeding dry cows or beef cows, no protein supplement is needed.