Ruminant Friendly Silage (RFS)
Kussmaul Seeds’ goal is to continue developing hybrids that benefit producers. Corn silage is becoming the feed that dairy and beef producers are relying on to meet the nutritional needs of their animals. Ruminant Friendly Silage (RFS) hybrids have higher levels of digestible nutrients per acre than dual purpose corns. This translates into more milk
and meat per acre!

With normal corn plants, the stalk contributes 17-20% of the plant’s total dry matter weight. Of this dry matter, about 50% of the outer rind is digestible, with about 75% of the inner pith being digestible. With Ruminant Friendly Silage (RFS) hybrids from Kussmaul Seeds, we have been able to decrease the thickness of the outer rind, while increasing
the inner pith. The end effect is a stalk that is more digestible for the animal.

These hybrids also produce more leaves than normal grain hybrids. These hybrids have up to five more leaves above the ear, which contributes to more available protein to the rumen stomach. And with the extra leaves, there is more sugar in the plant. RFS hybrids are selected not just for tonnage, but for their ability to produce high grain yields. Kernels will have a softer texture, being 5-7% wetter than conventional hybrids of the same maturity. A higher percent of both stalk, and grain is available for digestion with RFS silage hybrids over conventional grain hybrids. With Kussmaul’s Ruminant Friendly Silage (RFS) varieties, you will get more milk and more pounds of gain from the same size silo, bunker or pile over regular grain hybrids.