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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.

EX3742

Withdrawn

Zea mays L. · Maize

UA
2 records

Zoom

Withdrawn

Lolium multiflorum Lam. var. westerwoldicum Wittm. · Westerwolds Ryegrass

CZ
1 record

Morava

Protection expired

Vicia villosa Roth · Hairy vetch

CZ
1 record

Uva

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass

LV
2 records

Zbruch

Active

Hordeum vulgare L. · Barley

UA
2 records

VUKA

Terminated

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Poljoprivredni Institut Osijek, HR

HR
1 record

Toninga

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

SK
1 record

Tempo

Active

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Sweet Corn Group) · Sweet corn

SK
1 record

Tachimusha

Withdrawn

Lolium multiflorum Lam. var. westerwoldicum Wittm. · Westerwolds Ryegrass

CZ
1 record

SY Elias

Active

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

CZ
1 record

ZDRAVKA-77

Terminated

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Poljoprivredni Institut Osijek, HR

HR
1 record

ZE 4501

Protection expired

Zea mays L. · Maize

SK
1 record

V2799Z

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

UA
2 records

Vision

Withdrawn

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

CZ
1 record

T4195Z

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

UA
2 records

SW Nexus

Terminated

Medicago sativa L. nothosubsp. varia (Martyn) Arcang. · Bastard Medic

EE
1 record

Uk 670 S

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

UA
2 records

Savana

Protection expired

Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. & Chase · Sudangrass

Zavod za hmelj, sirak i lek. bilje (YU)

SI
1 record

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