Cultivation

Forage use of maize

Zea mays L.

Maize is a versatile forage crop whose value is determined by a combination of energy-dense grain and highly digestible vegetative mass. The primary products used are silage, grain, earlage (corn cob mix), and green forage.

In the reference 335 varieties crop Maize, where this is mentioned in the description.

The forage value of maize is based on its ability to accumulate significant amounts of starch while maintaining high nutritional quality of stems and leaves during the dough stage. Unlike most cereals, the content of digestible organic matter in maize remains stable for a long time, providing energy to cattle through the slow breakdown of starch in the rumen.

Breeding of the crop divides hybrids into silage, grain, and dual-purpose types. Silage forms are characterized by the stay-green trait, which allows the plant to keep its tissues green for a longer period, and an optimal ear-to-total-mass ratio of 45–50%. Selecting hybrids based on the FAO maturity index allows the crop to be adapted to specific agro-climatic conditions to achieve the desired fiber and starch balance.

General information about the subject — on the page Forage purpose.

Sources8

Varieties of Maize mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.