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.
Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. & Chase · Sudangrass
GAYLAND WARD SEED CO. INC.
Zea mays L. · Maize
SAATZUCHT GLEISDORF GESMBH
Zea mays L. · Maize
SAATZUCHT GLEISDORF GESMBH
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
Instytut Hodowli i Aklimatyzacji Roslin Panstwowy Instytut Badawczy
Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. italicum (A. Br.) Volkart · Italian ryegrass
Malopolska Hodowla Roslin Spolka z o.o.
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
ICI Seeds-SES N.V./S.A. (BE)
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
Advanta Seeds B.V. (NL)
Zea mays L. · Maize
SAATZUCHT GLEISDORF GESMBH
Zea mays L. · Maize
SAATZUCHT GLEISDORF GESMBH
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
KWS SAAT SE&CO.KGaA, DE
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Vincent Beguier
Zea mays L. · Maize
PETER KONCZOL
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. bicolor · Sorghum
FUNK SEED
Medicago sativa L. subsp. sativa · Alfalfa
CREA - CENTRO DI RICERCA PER LA ZOOTECNIA ED ACQUACOLTURA (CREA-ZA)
Zea mays L. · Maize
Baptiste Roger
Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE, FR
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
PGG Wrightson Seeds
Zea mays L. · Maize
Pierre CAROLO
Zea mays L. · Maize
Euralis Semences
Phleum pratense L. · Timothy grass
Saatzucht Steinach GmbH & Co KG
Zea mays L. · Maize
Francis Glenn
Zea mays L. · Maize
LIDEA FRANCE SAS
Zea mays L. · Maize
Euralis Semences
Zea mays L. · Maize
Euralis Semences