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.
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
DLF Seeds A-S, DK
x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus · Triticale
LEMAIRE DEFFONTAINES S.A.S.
Phleum pratense L. · Timothy grass
Pertti Pärssinen
Zea mays L. · Maize
Ragt, F
Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover
Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART
Zea mays L. · Maize
P'ier Karolo
Brassica napus L. · Rapeseed
P.H.PETERSEN SAATZUCHT LUNDSGAARD
Zea mays L. · Maize
LIDEA FRANCE SAS
Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE, FR
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
RAGT 2N S.A.S
Avena sativa L. · Oat
Mattsson Bengt
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
SEMENCES DE FRANCE
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
Euro Grass Breeding GmbH Co. KG
Phleum pratense L. · Timothy grass
BARENBRUG HOLLAND
Festuca arundinacea Schreb. · Tall fescue
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Secale cereale L. · Rye
Peer Wilde^^^Brigitta Schmiedchen^^^Jutta Menzel
Secale cereale L. · Rye
Poznanska Hodowla Roslin Sp. z o.o
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
Verneuil Holding (FR)/Semunion Sarl (FR)
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
GERMINAL IRELAND LTD
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
GERMINAL IRELAND LTD
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
BARENBRUG HOLLAND
Lolium x hybridum Hausskn. · Hybrid ryegrass
VANDINTER SEMO B.V.
Lolium x hybridum Hausskn. · Hybrid ryegrass
DLF Seeds A/S, Dansk Planteforedling (DK)