Abstract
The goal of our study was to evaluate the nutritional potential of dented corn hybrids for silage production. We performed a two-location trial in which 19 dented corn hybrids and five corn controls grew in four randomized blocks within two experimental areas located in the Northern (Campos dos Goytacazes) and Northwestern (Itaocara) Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. We recorded yields of fresh and dry forage matter and yields of fresh and dry grain matter, as well as chemical composition [...]
Highlights
A balance between amounts of nutrients available and intake, digestibility, and efficiency of nutrient utilization by animals characterizes an ideal forage
We can infer that dented corn hybrids rank by forage yield, but not by forage quality, and recommend the most productive ones that consistently outstand in both locations
Companies have developed genetically improved corn hybrids based on grain yield, but it appears that the use of the same hybrids for silage production arose regardless of the main goal of grain production
Summary
A balance between amounts of nutrients available and intake, digestibility, and efficiency of nutrient utilization by animals characterizes an ideal forage. 2. The act of ensiling the corn plant is a traditional forage preservation technique for livestock feeding around the world, for feeding herds either during dry periods or as the primary component of total-mixed rations in intensive production systems. The ensiling process of the corn plant preserves and sometimes increases its nutrient digestibility (Van Soest, 1994). Companies have developed genetically improved corn hybrids based on grain yield, but it appears that the use of the same hybrids for silage production arose regardless of the main goal of grain production. In the past, they did not focus their genetic improvement programs to release corn varieties and hybrids for silage production (Bunting, 1975; Hunter, 1978). Companies seldom have developed few corn hybrids by considering nutritional aspects other than chemical composition and grain and forage yields. Some aspects of ruminal fermentation or digestibility parameters of corn as a forage plant are missing
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