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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.

Bojko

Active

Secale cereale L. · Rye

HODOWLA ROSLIN SMOLICE SP.ZOO

PL
6 records

Bigbee

Active

Trifolium alexandrinum L. · Egyptian clover

The United States Government as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

IT
4 records

Arthur

Protection expired

Lupinus albus L. · White lupin

GIE Lupsem (FR)

FR
6 records

Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass

DEUTSCHE SAATVEREDELUNG AG

NL
7 records

Anabel

Active

Bromus catharticus Vahl · Rescue grass

Loiseau Semences

FR
6 records

Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover

University of Alberta

ES
7 records

Aberbite

Active

Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass

ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY

IE
5 records

A0091Z

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Nat Page

UA
5 records

Abrisse

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

LIDEA FRANCE SAS

LT
5 records

Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass

GERMINAL IRELAND LTD

AT
5 records

A2304Z

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY

UA
5 records

Agaska

Active

Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass

DLF Seeds A/S

DE
7 records

PH87H

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL

4 records

PHAP8

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL

4 records

PHC78

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL

4 records

PH6KW

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL

5 records

LH332

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY

4 records

Kigezi 1

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass

DLF SEEDS A/S

7 records

Gepetto

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass

Euro Grass Breeding GmbH Co. KG

4 records

Itarzi

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass

DLF SEEDS A/S

7 records

Fiji

Active

Pisum sativum L. · Pea

Limagrain UK

4 records

Erica

Active

Ornithopus sativus Brot. · Serradella

Nutt Bradley

4 records

Zea mays L. · Maize

RAGT 2N S.A.S

DE IT PT
5 records

Agrolupo

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

KWS SAAT SE & CO.KGAA

AT DE SK
5 records

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