Cultivation
Cultivation of maize for silage and haylage aims to maximize the energy value of biomass through the selection of hybrids with high fiber digestibility and optimal grain composition. Key factors include leafiness, the Stay Green effect, and the balance between yield and feed quality.
Mentioned in descriptions 13 089 varieties reference book.
When selecting a hybrid for silage or haylage use, the priority becomes the total energy value of the plant rather than just grain yield. Breeding of such hybrids is focused on improving digestibility by reducing the content of indigestible lignin and improving the structure of plant fibers. Distinguishing features include increased leafiness and the Stay Green effect, which allows plants to remain green longer, extending the optimal harvest window without quality loss.
The choice of variety directly affects the efficiency of fermentation in the bunker and the digestibility of feed in the animal rumen. For silage, hybrids with floury or semi-dent grain types are preferred, as they are easier to grind and more quickly digestible. High phytosanitary resistance to diseases such as boil smut, fusarium, and stalk rots is critically important, as plant infection significantly reduces the quality of the final feed.
Agronomic practices for silage crops allow for an increase in plant density by 15–20% relative to grain crops; however, excessive thickening leads to a decrease in the proportion of ears and a drop in the total energy of the mass. Optimal harvesting is carried out when the moisture content of the entire biomass reaches the 30–35% range. The economic efficiency of using such varieties is evaluated by indicators of fiber digestibility and digestible starch content, which determines livestock productivity.
Selection based on the description text, not official resistance ratings: such data is not available in registers. Mention indicates that the trait is discussed in the variety's sources; see the variety's profile for details on what is specifically stated.
Trifolium repens L. · White clover
Grasslanz Technology
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
DLF Seeds A/S, 4000 Roskilde
Pisum sativum L. · Pea
SAS FLORIMOND DESPREZ VEUVE and FILS
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
DSV Zaden Nederland B.V.
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
MOMMERSTEEG INT.BV
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
PIET ARTS
Trifolium repens L. · White clover
DLF Seeds A-S, DK
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
Theodorus P.M. op den Kamp
Phleum pratense L. · Timothy grass
DLF, DK
Zea mays L. · Maize
Rene Baratin
Hordeum vulgare L. · Barley
Syngenta UK Ltd
Trifolium repens L. · White clover
GRASSLANDS RESEARCH CENTRE
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS SAAT SE and CO KGAA
Zea mays L. · Maize
LEIPERT RAINER
Zea mays L. · Maize
LIDEA FRANCE SAS
Zea mays L. · Maize
Rustica Prograin Genetique
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
KWS Saat SE Finanzbuchhaltung
Zea mays L. · Maize
Marcelo Queijo
Zea mays L. · Maize
Rainer Leipert
Zea mays L. · Maize
R2n (FR)
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS SAAT SE and CO KGAA
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Seeds Division, CH
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS Saat AG, DE
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
KWS SAAT SE & CO.KGAA