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.
Beta vulgaris L. · Beet
DLF SEEDS A/S
Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover
RAGT 2N S.A.S
Zea mays L. · Maize
MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
ILVO-PLANT 39
Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. italicum (A. Br.) Volkart · Italian ryegrass
Deutsche Saatveredelung AG, D-59557 Lippstadt
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
Instituut voor Landbouw- en Visserijonderzoek (ILVO) Eenheid Plant
Lolium multiflorum Lam. var. westerwoldicum Wittm. · Westerwolds Ryegrass
DEUTSCHE SAATVEREDELUNG AG
Zea mays L. · Maize
Rainer Leipert
Zea mays L. · Maize
Mas Seeds S.A.S.
Zea mays L. · Maize
Rainer Leipert
Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat
KWS UK LTD
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS SAAT SE and CO KGAA
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
SAATBAU LINZ EGEN
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS SAAT SE and CO KGAA
Zea mays L. · Maize
LIMAGRAIN EUROPE S.A.
Zea mays L. · Maize
LEIPERT RAINER
Phleum pratense L. · Timothy grass
Nilsson, Bengt
Zea mays L. · Maize
Laiper, Rainer
Pisum sativum L. · Pea
Boreal Plant Breeding
Zea mays L. · Maize
Limagrain Nederland B.V.
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS SAAT SE and CO KGAA
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS SAAT SE & CO.KGAA
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
MHR SEEDS LIMITED
Zea mays L. · Maize
SAATBAU LINZ EGEN