High moisture shell corn is preferred over high moisture ear corn, as much of the molds start in the cob. This is especially prevalent in a wet year, as corn will actually start to mold in the field. Also, ear corn tends to separate in storage structures and may not feed out uniformly. Even though the cob provides fiber, it can easily be replaced with haylage, hay or other high quality forages. These forages are more digestible, and provide much greater levels of protein and energy than high NDF corncobs. Remember that rumen space is limited!

The high moisture corn challenge is to be able to store the grain with little spoilage to preserve maximum nutrient content. Lactic acid (produced from lactic acid bacteria) does not preserve high moisture corn as well as propionic acid.

Propionic acid has long been a standard for treating grains because of its ability to control yeast and molds. A common recommendation has been to use 2 to 4 pounds of buffered acid per ton. With buffered acid containing about 65% propionic acid, the 4 pound rate figures to 2.6 pounds of actual propionic acid per ton. This figures to 0.13% propionic acid.

High moisture corn tends to deteriorate when it is exposed to air in the silo, face of the bunker, or bag. This exposure encourages the growth of yeast and molds. These organisms steal valuable energy from your corn, which mean less pounds of milk produced, reduced dry matter intake, and possible herd health problems such as reduced reproductive performance.

With today's high producing cows, energy is a major limiting factor. It only makes sense to make the best possible feed. A cow can only consume so much feed, so it is important to use this space wisely!

When used according to ANC recommendations, 600,000 CFU's of bacteria are applied to each gram of high moisture grain. This is over 270 million CFU's per pound, or over 540 billion CFU's per ton!

Pro-Store HMC requires a high amount of starch to work, so high moisture grain should be cracked or ground. Blowers usually break up enough kernels to provide adequate starch.

INGREDIENTS: Contains sources of live, viable, naturally occurring microorganisms. Propionibacterium spp., fermentation product, Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product, and maltodextrin.

USAGE: Recommended for ground or cracked high moisture corn. Optimal moisture for corn is 23-30%.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Dissolve package contents in 25 gallons of cold water. Apply one gallon per ton of high moisture corn. This package treats 25 tons of high moisture corn. Higher or lower dilution rates may be used.

STORAGE: For maximum shelf life, keep frozen before use. Always strive to use up inoculant products within one year.

The initial improved reduction of the pH is only part of the story. Pro-Store HMC also improves the stability and bunk life of high moisture corn!

A one point difference in pH (5.5 to 4.5) is ten times more acidic! The addition of Pro-Store HMC reduces pH faster and to a lower level for better control of spoilage and heating during early fermentation.

Pro-Store HMC contains a unique bacteria that produces propionic acid and other compounds that are far superior in controlling yeast and molds than any other inoculant on the market. Research reported by the Marshfield Ag. Research Station (U. of Wisconsin) showed lower pH, and lower mold and yeast counts for corn treated with Pro-Store HMC!

The propionic acid producing bacteria in Pro-Store HMC can produce 0.20% to 0.75% propionic acid in high moisture corn. Even at 0.26% propionic acid produced, this would be the equivalent of adding 8 pounds of propionic acid per ton! Your cost to purchase propionic acid would be about $10/ton.

The cost of Pro-Store HMC is below $3.00 per treated ton, which is far less than propionic acid, and it will not corrode your equipment!