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Cultivation

Silage and haylage

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.

Sources10

Breakdown by crop

Found in these crops

Varieties that feature this in their description

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.

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench · Sorghum

SEMILLAS BATLLE S.A.

IT
2 records

Farmuleo

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

FREIHERR VON MOREAU SAATZUCHT

IT
2 records

Zea mays L. · Maize

FREIHERR VON MOREAU SAATZUCHT

IT
2 records

Extrem

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass

PADANA SEMENTI ELETTE S.R.L.

IT
2 records

Exxon

Active

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

RAGT 2n, FR

FR
2 records

Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. italicum (A. Br.) Volkart · Italian ryegrass

Padana Sementi Elette

BE
2 records

Fisixx Duo

Terminated

Zea mays L. · Maize

R2n SAS

PT
2 records

ES Feria

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Euralis Semences

IT
2 records

ES7758

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Lidea France S.A.S

UA
3 records

Enton

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Saatzucht Gleisdorf

LT
2 records

Farmelody

Terminated

Zea mays L. · Maize

FREIHERR VON MOREAU SAATZUCHT

IT
2 records

Falkner

Terminated

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

Dr Hans Rolf Spath

ES
2 records

EG7A71

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Lidea France S.A.S

UA
3 records

Emmy

Terminated

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

LIMAGRAIN EUROPE

PL
2 records

Fadeo

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

FREIHERR VON MOREAU SAATZUCHT

IT
2 records

Emaldo

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

FREIHERR VON MOREAU SAATZUCHT

IT
2 records

Dylan

Active

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

Maisadour Semences, FR

FR
2 records

EG3054

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Lidea France S.A.S

UA
5 records

EG7B66

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

LIDEA FRANCE SAS

UA
3 records

ES7713

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Lidea France S.A.S

UA
3 records

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

Poljoprivredni Institut Osijek, HR

HR
2 records

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

Euralis Semences FR

FR
2 records

DS1592D

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

DOW AgroSciences

IT
2 records

Ensilor

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. italicum (A. Br.) Volkart · Italian ryegrass

GIE GRASS (FR)

FR
2 records

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