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.
Zea mays L. · Maize
Limagrain Europe S.A.S
Avena strigosa Schreb. · Black oat
P.H. Petersen Saatzucht Lundsgaard GmbH Herrn Asmus Sören Petersen
Zea mays L. · Maize
RAGT 2N S.A.S
Zea mays L. · Maize
Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Zea mays L. · Maize
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL
x Festulolium Aschers. et Graebn. · Festulolium
DLF Trifolium A-S, DK
Zea mays L. · Maize
Rainer Leipert
Zea mays L. · Maize
PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION
Zea mays L. · Maize
PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION
Zea mays L. · Maize
LIMAGRAIN EUROPE
Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover
Poljoprivredni Institut Osijek, HR
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, INC., USA
Zea mays L. · Maize
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL
Zea mays L. · Maize
Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
MEDITERRANEA SEMENTI SRL
Zea mays L. · Maize
PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION
Phalaris arundinacea L. · Reed canary grass
Research Seeds Inc.
Dactylis glomerata L. · Cocksfoot
Poznanska Hodowla Roslin Sp. z o.o
Zea mays L. · Maize
JOTSKOVICh BORHE
Zea mays L. · Maize
Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. italicum (A. Br.) Volkart · Italian ryegrass
Zelder BV (NL)
Zea mays L. · Maize
Saaten-Union
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
Prof. Dr. ir. Dirk Reheul c/o Universität Gent - Afd. Planten- teelt en Plantenveredeling
Helianthus annuus L. · Sunflower
Rustica Prograin Genetique