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.
Dactylis glomerata L. · Cocksfoot
Hodowla Roslin Grunwald Sp. z.o.o. Grupa IHAR
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
University of Florida
Lolium multiflorum Lam. var. westerwoldicum Wittm. · Westerwolds Ryegrass
Valley Seeds Pty Ltd., Valley Seeds Pty Ltd.
x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus · Triticale
SAATZUCHT DR.,H,C, HANS HEGE
Zea mays L. · Maize
KWS SAAT SE and CO KGAA
Festuca pratensis Huds. · Meadow fescue
Poznanska Hodowla Roslin Sp. z o.o
Festuca pratensis Huds. · Meadow fescue
Poznanska Hodowla Roslin Sp. z o.o
Festuca arundinacea Schreb. · Tall fescue
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Hordeum vulgare L. · Barley
CREA- CENTRO DI RICERCA GENOMICA E BIOINFORMATICA (CREA-GB-FIO) / LIMAGRAIN ITALIA SPA
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
D'EUGENIO SEMENTI
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench · Sorghum
Criadero y Semillero Pedro Jose Maranessi
Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. & Chase · Sudangrass
MMR GENETIC
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
PHP PETERSEN
Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass
João António da Costa Faria Medeiros Pereira
Vicia sativa L. · Common vetch
HAO-DEMETER-Fodder Crops and Pastures Institute
Zea mays L. · Maize
Steven Schuetz
Lolium x hybridum Hausskn. · Hybrid ryegrass
Aberystwyth University (IBERS) Frau Sheena Duller
Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass
GERMINAL IRELAND LTD
Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. & Chase · Sudangrass
Mycogen Corporation
Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. · Common sainfoin
MICHEL (FR)/Amelioration Fourragere (FR)
Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover
Institute of Grassland & Environmental Research Welsh Plant Breeding Station
Zea mays L. · Maize
Pierre GARRAUD
Hedysarum coronarium L. · Sulla
HAO-DEMETER-Fodder Crops and Pastures Institute