Forage Quality Differences of Corn Hybrids as Influenced by Ensiling

Abstract

Our objective was to determine the impact of ensiling on forage quality of 54 corn hybrids (Zea mays L.). Four field replicates of each hybrid were planted at each of two locations in NY in 2003 (Groveland Station and Aurora, NY). There were differences among hybrids in pH (P < 0.01) at both sites. The pH of ensiled samples was positively correlated with silage DM (r = 0.82) and increased 0.016 pH units for each 1.0% increase in DM. Crude protein of ensiled samples was highly correlated (r = 0.95) with CP of fresh samples, but CP was 0.41% greater in the ensiled samples. Sugar of fresh samples averaged 9.9% while that of corresponding ensiled samples averaged 3.6%. Ranking of hybrids for sugar changed from fresh to ensiled, but was not consistent between sites. There were hybrid × ensiling/fresh interactions for NDF and IVTD at one site; this interaction was not significant at either site for fiber digestibility (NDFD). There was a significant correlation between fresh and ensiled sample NDFD (r = 0.74, P < 0.01). These data suggest little difference between fresh or ensiled hybrid rankings for NDFD, which implies that differences among hybrids in NDFD could be selected by using fresh samples. Inconsistencies for hybrid × ensiling/fresh interactions indicated that more research is needed to fully assess the relative benefits of ensiling prior to quality comparisons of corn hybrids.