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

Maize 2 337 Maize 763 Italian ryegrass 142 Perennial ryegrass 131 Alfalfa 108 Italian ryegrass 105 Sudangrass 67 Sorghum 66 Red clover 63 Triticale 60 Westerwolds Ryegrass 53 Sorghum 41

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.

Ascend

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass

Grasslands Innovation Ltd

DE NL

5 records

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

HORTAG SEED CO.

7 records

Botrus

Terminated

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

Lantmannen SW Seed AB, SE-268 81 Svalof

EE SE

5 records

Balu PZO

Protection expired

x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus · Triticale

Norbert Starck^^^Peter Franck

CZ DE

5 records

Baiano

Terminated

Zea mays L. · Maize

KWS| KWS SAAT AG

DE DK

5 records

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Rene Baraten

5 records

Barmelie

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)

DE FR

5 records

Active

Lolium x hybridum Hausskn. · Hybrid ryegrass

RAGT 2N S.A.S

DE FR

6 records

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Cultivation

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Text source

This summary is compiled from the publications listed in the sources and verified by an editor. It contains no legally significant information; it provides agronomic context for registry data rather than the registry data itself.