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.
Vicia villosa Roth · Hairy vetch
KRF GYOENGYOES FLEISCHMANN
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
ROBERTO GUARNIERI
Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover
Petter Marum
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
DEUTSCHE SAATVEREDELUNG AG
Zea mays L. · Maize
Freiherr von Moreau Saatzucht GmbH, Ludwig Feldmeier,
x Festulolium Aschers. et Graebn. · Festulolium
DLF Seeds A/S
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
Teagasc
Trifolium repens L. · White clover
DLF-TRIFOLIUM| DLF-Trifolium A/S
Galega orientalis Lam. · Eastern goat's rue
Helmut Raig45% ,Jelena Metlitskaja5% ,Sergei Simonov15%RU ,Žanna Jartieva25%RU ,Aleksander Sagarov10%RU
Dactylis glomerata L. · Cocksfoot
Lantmannen SW Seed AB, SE-268 81 Svalof
Festuca arundinacea Schreb. · Tall fescue
D.J.VAN DER HAVE
Lolium x hybridum Hausskn. · Hybrid ryegrass
JADWIGA STUCZYNSKI / STANISLAWA GUZIKOWSKA
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
LOS PRADOS S.A.
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
CONTINENTAL SEMENCES S P A
Trifolium repens L. · White clover
Teagasc (IE)
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
PEDERSEN CHR.| Chr. Pedersen c/o Zuchtstation Daehnfeldt / ANDERSEN JOERN| Joern Skov Andersen c/o Prodana Seeds A/S
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
Grass G.I.E.
Phleum pratense L. · Timothy grass
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Office of Intellectual Propert and Commercialization
Trifolium repens L. · White clover
Teagasc (IE)
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
DLF-TRIFOLIUM| DLF-Trifolium A/S
Trifolium resupinatum L. · Persian clover
CENTRO DI RICERCA MIGLIORAMENTO GENETICO PIANTE AGRARIE S.R.L. C.M.G.P.A.
Phleum pratense L. · Timothy grass
SEMENCES DE FRANCE
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
RAGT 2N S.A.S
Zea mays L. · Maize
SAATBAU LINZ EGEN