Whole-plant Silage Research Articles

220 Effect of silage inoculants containing different combinations of homo- and heterofermentative strains on fermentation, aerobic stability, and hydrocyanic acid content of sorghum whole-plant silage

220 Effect of silage inoculants containing different combinations of homo- and heterofermentative strains on fermentation, aerobic stability, and hydrocyanic acid content of sorghum whole-plant silage

Whole-plant silage maize to improve fiber digestive characteristics and intestinal microbiota of Hezuo pigs.

Utilizing roughage resources is an effective approach to alleviate the shortage of corn-soybean feed and reducing the costs in the swine industry. Hezuo pig is one group of plateau type local Tibetan pig with strong tolerance to crude feeding. Nevertheless, current research on the roughage tolerance in Hezuo pigs and the microbiological mechanisms behind it is still minimally.This study explored the impact of various ratios of whole-plant silage (WPS) maize on the pH, cellulase activity, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and intestinal microbiota in Hezuo pigs. Thirty-two Hezuo pigs were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). The control group received a basal diet, while experimental groups I, II, and III were given diets with incremental additions of 5%, 10%, and 15% air-dried WPS maize, respectively, for 120 days. The findings revealed that compared with the control group, in Group II, the pH of cecum and colon were notably decreased (p < 0.05), while acid detergent fiberdigestibility, the concentration of propionic and isobutyric acid in the cecum, and the concentration of isobutyric acid in the colon were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Also, carboxymethyl cellulase activity in the cecum in group II of Hezuo pigs was significantly higher than that in the other three groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the cecum microbiota showed a higher diversity in the group II of Hezuo pigs than that in the control group, as shown by the Simpson and Shannon indices. Specifically, 15 and 24 bacterial species showed a significant difference in relative abundance at the family and genus levels, respectively. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between bacterial genera and SCFAs concentrations in the cecum. The abundance of Bacteroides and NK4A214_group was positively correlated with amounts of valeric and isovaleric acid but negatively with propionic acid (p < 0.05). The abundance of UCG-010 was positively linked with acetic acid and negatively correlated with butyric acid (p < 0.05). Actinobacillus abundance was positively associated with butyric acid levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 10% WPS maize diet improved crude fiber digestibility by lowering cecal and colonic chyme pH, enhancing intestinal cellulase activity, improving SCFA production, and increasing intestinal microbiota diversity.

Effect of growing regions on morphological characteristics, protein subfractions, rumen degradation and molecular structures of various whole-plant silage corn cultivars.

Little information exists on the variation in morphological characteristics, nutritional value, ruminal degradability, and molecular structural makeup of diverse whole-plant silage corn (WPSC) cultivars among different growing regions. This study investigated the between-regions (Beijing, Urumchi, Cangzhou, Liaoyuan, Tianjin) discrepancies in five widely used WPSC cultivars in China (FKBN, YQ889, YQ23, DK301 and ZD958), in terms of 1) morphological characteristics; 2) crude protein (CP) chemical profile; 3) Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) CP subfractions; 4) in situ CP degradation kinetics; and 5) CP molecular structures. Our results revealed significant growing region and WPSC cultivar interaction for all estimated morphological characteristics (P < 0.001), CP chemical profile (P < 0.001), CNCPS subfractions (P < 0.001) and CP molecular structural features (P < 0.05). Except ear weight (P = 0.18), all measured morphological characteristics varied among different growing regions (P < 0.001). Besides, WPSC cultivars planted in different areas had remarkably different CP chemical profiles and CNCPS subfractions (P < 0.001). All spectral parameters of protein primary structure of WPSC differed (P < 0.05) due to the growing regions, except amide II area (P = 0.28). Finally, the area ratio of amide I to II was negatively correlated with the contents of soluble CP (δ = -0.66; P = 0.002), CP (δ = -0.61; P = 0.006), non-protein nitrogen (δ = -0.56; P = 0.004) and acid detergent insoluble CP (δ = -0.43; P = 0.008), in conjunction with a positive correlation with moderately degradable CP (PB1; δ = 0.58; P = 0.01). In conclusion, the cultivar of DK301 exhibited high and stable CP content. The WPSC planted in Beijing showed high CP, SCP and NPN. The low rumen degradable protein of WPSC was observed in Urumchi. Meanwhile, above changes in protein profiles and digestibility were strongly connected with the ratio of amide I and amide II.

The effects of whole-plant silage maize as replacement commercial feed on the growth performance, carcase yield, relatively organ weight, blood biochemical, and economical traits in Holdobaki Goose

The effects of whole-plant silage maize as replacement commercial feed on the growth performance, carcase yield, relatively organ weight, blood biochemical, and economical traits in Holdobaki Goose

HISTORIA Y PERSPECTIVAS DEL MEJORAMIENTO GENÉTICO DEL MAÍZ FORRAJERO EN LA ARGENTINA

Corn is used to massively produce food for humans and domestic animals with grains of various taxonomic entities or races. For domestic ruminants, the whole plant is also used as forage. In Argentina, both corn grain and whole-plant silage are used for beef and dairy cattle production. This paper aimed to develop the history and perspectives of corn grown for grain and silage, focusing on plant breeding. The importance of corn fodder in its two variants (grain and whole-plant silage) has varied over time. We emphasize herein the importance of the specific genetic breeding of corn used for whole-plant silage to achieve higher yield potential and nutritional value than grain hybrids. The four population genetic structures used over time as cultivars, which determined the evolution of the technological process of selection and breeding, were analyzed. Based on the research carried out, seed companies have incorporated our protocols into their development and breeding programs. The contribution of selection and breeding in Argentina was effective in transforming the corn plant into ruminant feed, and this will increase with the development of specific silage hybrids. Key words: cultivars, corn fodder, plant breeding

Comparison of Crushing Effect of Differently Shaped Crushing Rollers on Whole-Plant Silage Maize

Based on the mechanical test (shear test, compression test), the bond model of corn kernel and straw was established to explore the rolling and crushing effect of different crushing rollers. The type of crushing roller is different. The material crushing process by the force (extrusion and kneading) is different. The mechanical analysis of the crushing process reveals that the disc crushing roller (DCR) has the characteristics of large unit-length kneading area; the spiral-notched serrated crushing roller (SNSCR) has transverse shearing effect on the material; and they affect the crushing effect of the material. By means of discrete element method and simulation test, multiple regression method and variance analysis method are used to systematically analyze the data. The optimal working parameters of each roll (crushing roll speed, crushing clearance, differential ratio) were obtained. The simulation test and bench test of the crushing process of materials with different roll shapes were carried out under the optimal working parameters. The crushing effect was evaluated with a Binzhou screen and a corn silage grain-crushing score screen. The crushed materials of corn kernel can be divided into three categories according to the size (broken grains passed through 2 mm sieve; broken grains passed through 4.75 mm sieve; and broken grains that cannot pass through 4.75 mm sieve), and the crushed materials of corn stalk can be divided into four categories according to the size and thickness (broken straw through 4 mm sieve; broken straw through 8 mm sieve; broken straw through 19 mm sieve; and broken straw that cannot pass 19 mm sieve). The crushing effect and crushing classification of the simulation test and bench test were basically consistent. The results showed that the disc crushing roller group had the highest comprehensive score with straw rolling rate of 89.1% and grain crushing rate of 87.7%, which was the most suitable for harvesting whole-plant silage maize (WSM).

Whole-plant corn silage harvesting modalities: energy efficiency and operational performance.

The need for energy rationalizing in farming operations require research that optimize grain crop conduction. The operations used in the processing and production of silage have limitations in energy optimization due to the lack of studies. This paper evaluated energy efficiency of whole-plant silage operations with the objective of favor the decision making. The adopted design of the experiment was in parcels (with seven replications), consisting of three harvesting modalities: single-line forage harvester, total area forage harvester, and total area forage harvester with support transshipment. The tractors were instrumented with sensors that measured engine rotation, travel speed, and hourly fuel consumption which were used to calculate field capacity, fuel consumption per area and per harvested mass, and production capacity of the harvester-tractor set. The results went to analysis of variance and subsequently to Tukey's test. The single had a faster speed and lower hourly fuel consumption, but smaller field capacity and greater energy expenditure for the mass. The use of support transshipment set with the front harvester allowed an improvement in the operation, with an increase in the worked area, and material processing (18%), and speed (13%), without differing in fuel expenditure. The total-area forage harvester modality showed smaller costs (USD 6.7), followed by the total-area forage harvester with support transshipment set (USD 7.7) and the single-line forage harvester (USD 9.38), respectively. The use of forage harvesters with a wider working width proved to be more efficient in terms of production costs per harvested hectare, validating it's reccomendation.

PSIII-A-13 Intramuscular fat and Expression of Genes Involved in Lipid Metabolism and Gluconeogenesis in Nellore Bulls fed Snaplage

Abstract We hypothesized that diets with snaplage would increase the expression of lipogenic genes, resulting in higher marbling fat content, compared to a diet of whole-plant silage and reconstituted corn silage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition, as well as the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and liver gluconeogenesis of Nellore bulls fed snaplage. Seventy-two Nellore bulls (24 months, initial body weight 400 ±27.4 kg) were used in a completely randomized design. Animals were stratified by body weight, housed in 24 pens (3 animals per pen), and designed to one of the three treatments (8 pens per treatment). Experimental diets (around 14% of crude protein) were: control (corn silage, ground and reconstituted corn grain, protein sources), snaplage + ground corn, replacing completely corn silage (SNAP65, with 65% snaplage), and snaplage 85, replacing completely corn silage and corn grain (SNAP85, with 85% snaplage). Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of dietary treatment, and random effects of pen nested within treatment. Overall, diets did not affect (P&amp;gt;0.11) the intramuscular fat. However, animals fed SNAP85 showed higher PPARG expression (P=0.03). The muscle of animals fed snaplage (SNAP65 and SNAP85) also had higher expression of ACACA and SCD1 genes (P≤0.03) than the control animals. The FABP4 expression tended to be higher (P=0.10) in the muscle of animals fed SNAP85 compared with SNAP65. In addition, animals fed control diet tended to have higher (P=0.07) expression of PC in the liver compared with animals fed SNAP65 and SNAP85. Also, PEPCK2 expression was lower (P=0.05) in in the liver of animals fed SNAP65 diet than control SNAP85. We conclude that diets with snaplage increased the expression of genes involved in the muscle lipogenesis, without increase intramuscular fat.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Inoculation on Chemical Composition, Fermentation, and Bacterial Community Composition of Ensiled Sweet Corn Whole Plant or Stover

Sweet corn is a feed resource with a high content of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) available for ruminant production. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum on fermentation and nutritional quality of sweet corn silage. Sweet corn whole plant (WP) and sweet corn stover (CS) were ensiled in mini silos with or without inoculation of L. plantarum. Proximate composition and fermentation variables, and composition of the bacterial community, were evaluated before ensiling and at the end of the first, second, and third month after ensiling. There was fiber degradation in CS silage after three months of ensilage, but not in WP silage. Inoculation of WP silage, but not of CS silage, with L. plantarum, increased starch content. The relative abundance of genus Lactobacillus was increased by inoculation with L. plantarum by 14.2% and 82.2% in WP and CS silage, respectively. Inoculation with L. plantarum was not necessary to achieve adequate fermentation of either WP or CS silage, as the abundance of native lactic acid bacteria in both materials seemed suitable for adequate fermentation. That said, increased starch content in WP resulting from inoculation with L. plantarum can increase the nutritive value of WP for ruminants.

Impact of Long-Term Storage on Alfalfa Leaf and Stem Silage Characteristics

Fractionation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) into leaves and stems can reduce cutting frequency while producing a high-value feedstuff. A difficulty with fractionation is the higher moisture content at ensiling due to the inability to wilt leaves without substantial dry matter loss or financial cost. To evaluate whether the silage quality of fractionated alfalfa is competitive with conventional methods under long-term storage conditions, high-moisture leaves (250–280 g·kg−1 dry matter, DM) and stems (190–240 g·kg−1 DM) were ensiled for 21 and 350 days and compared to wilted whole-plant silage for two alfalfa developmental stages. At 21 days, leaf and whole-plant silage fermentation characteristics indicated suitable lactic acid bacterial fermentation through decreased pH, high lactic acid–to-acetic acid ratio, and a lack of clostridial fermentation. At 350 days, leaf silage fermentation and nutritional quality decreased due to sustained proteolysis, but true protein still exceeded that of whole-plant silage. High-moisture stem fractions fermented poorly; at 21 days, stage 3 stems had significant amounts of butyric acid, while stage 5 stems became clostridial at 350 days. Long-term storage of high-moisture leaf silages can produce good-quality silage despite exceeding moisture contents typically recommended for alfalfa, while wilting is required for stem silages.

204 Effects of sorghum silage kernel processing on intake and apparent total tract digestibility of beef heifers

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of different kernel processors in terms of nutrient digestibility of whole-plant sorghum silage. Grain sorghum (hybrid ADV1250IG, Advanta Seeds, Irving, TX) was harvested at the hard-dough stage with a Class Jaguar 960 and 930 harvesters, switching the kernel processor to generate the forage material for the three treatments: conventionally processed (CONV), unprocessed (UN), and shredlage processed (SHRED). The material was bagged in three 2.7 m bags and allowed to ferment for 1 mo. Twenty-four black Angus heifers (13 ± 1 mo, 267 ± 10.9 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to treatments (8 heifers/treatment) and allocated to individual pens (36 m2) with access to feed and water. Diets were ad libitum sorghum silage from each respective treatment, plus soybean meal top-dressed at 0.5% of BW. After a 15-d adaptation period, feed and feces were collected for 5 d. Feed was offered once daily, and orts were collected the following day. Fecal samples were collected twice daily and apparent total tract digestibility was determined using indigestible NDF as a marker. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using heifer as the experimental unit, and initial BW as a covariate. Dry matter (DM) intake as a percentage of BW (P = 0.09) and NDF digestibility (P = 0.06) tended to differ among treatments, where CONV tended to be lesser than UN (P = 0.08), whereas SHRED was intermediate. Digestibility of DM was affected by treatment (P = 0.05), where UN (71.3%) tended (P = 0.06) to be greater than CONV (67.9%), while SHRED (70.8%) did not differ from any of the treatments (P ≥ 0.12). In conclusion, kernel processing affects nutrient digestibility of sorghum silage. Differences in ruminal kinetics and fermentation parameters, resulting from contrasting particle sizes, grain processing and sorting, may help explain these findings.

Evaluation of Sweet Sorghum Biomass as an Alternative Livestock Feed

In case of using sorghum biomass as a source of feed, quality attributes of different forms of the biomass should be known. This study was conducted to determine quality attributes of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor var. saccharatum (L.) Mohlenbr.) biomass in different forms. Six different sweet sorghum varieties (M81-E, Ramada, Roma, Topper 76, UNL Hybrid and No 91) were used in different forms. Quality attributes of sweet sorghum herbage before silage (SSH), whole plant silage (WPS) and sap-extracted bagasse silage (SES) were determined. Harvests were performed at milk-dough stage of the plants.While green herbage had greater crude protein ratios, whole plant silages had greater values for the other quality attributes. The sap-extracted bagasse silage had a mean RFV of over 111 indicating a high quality feed. As compared to other varieties, Topper 76 and Ramada varieties had greater values for quality attributes of sweet sorghums.

Validation of a New Resource-Efficient Feeding System for Fattening Pigs Using Increased Crude Fiber Concentrations in Diets: Feed Intake and Ammonia Emissions.

Simple SummaryThe feeding of fattening pigs and its associated ammonia emissions are current core problems in social debate that affects climate change and sustainability. Feeding methods offer great potential to increase animal welfare and sustainability, and negative impacts on the environment can be reduced. Fattening pigs differ in their performance potential and in their nutrient requirements. A high feed intake capacity can lead to luxury consumption. Diets rich in crude fiber should prevent excess feed intake and cause better nitrogen fixation by microorganisms in the animals’ large intestines. In a pig fattening farm, it was investigated whether and how diets rich in crude fiber can influence feed intake and ammonia emissions. The animals were divided into feeding groups according to their presumed performance potential by ultrasound examinations. Therein, body compositions were evaluated, and feed intake capacity and body weight were automatically recorded. The aim of the study was to enable adapted feeding of the animals by regarding their individual differences in body composition and performance potential. Roughage-based diets had significant influence on feed intake and did not increase ammonia emissions. Based on the results of this study a performance-based control of the feed intake should be made possible.The housing of fattening pigs, their feeding, and the emissions associated with this process are subjects of criticism. In order to reduce emissions and ensure resource efficiency, new paths must be taken; animals must be fed closer to their actual needs. In a pig fattening farm, 655 animals were grouped according their body weight and their body composition, consisting of weight and muscle-fat-ratio, which was determined by ultrasound examinations. The influence of different concentrations of triticale whole plant silage (WPS) (from 2.5% to 10%) on the feed intake capacity (3.88 kg to 2.71 kg (88% dry matter (DM))) of each group and the ability to control it was determined. Ammonia emissions were measured and the pens floor pollution was assessed. The animals could be distinguished significantly from each other by ultrasound examinations. The crude fiber influenced the level of daily feed intake. Ammonia emissions were not negatively influenced and could be partly reduced. There was no negative impact on surface contamination due to the increased use of crude fiber. The amount of daily feed intake was controlled by crude fiber rich diets. If these findings are adapted to certain types of pigs, a reduction of emissions and an increased resource efficiency can be expected.

Invited Review: Applying fungicide on corn plants to improve the composition of whole-plant silage in diets for dairy cattle

ABSTRACT Purpose Published literature and data from the author’s group pertaining to fungicide application on corn plant used for whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) was reviewed to summarize the effects of the aforementioned strategy for fungi disease control in the corn plant on WPCS quality and dairy cattle performance. Sources The main source of data and information for this review was peer-reviewed literature. Synthesis Whole-plant corn silage is the most commonly used forage in diets of dairy cattle in the United States. The interaction of fungi and corn plants reduces yields, decreasing the efficiency of food production, and the nutritive quality and value of this material when fed to ruminants. When infecting the corn plant, fungi reduce its nutritional content available by metabolizing sugar compounds within the plant cell. Applying fungicide to corn plants can protect corn plants from fungal infection, therefore limiting yield losses and increasing the nutritive quality of the plant material. There is limited information regarding feeding dairy cows WPCS from corn plants treated with foliar fungicide. However, findings from previous research highlight the negatives of making and feeding WPCS from diseased corn plants. Conclusions and Applications Scouting corn plants for foliar disease is an important practice to determine fungicide application. Nevertheless, foliar fungicide application on corn plants used to make WPCS for dairy cattle seems to improve its nutritional composition. Mainly, factors attributed to it are increased milk components and feed efficiency, reduced fiber concentrations, and improved ruminal degradability, independently of visual identification of foliar diseases.

Maize yields and carbon pools in response to poultry litter, rock phosphate and P-solubilizing microorganisms

ABSTRACT: The acid release of phosphates from rock phosphates (RP) and the retention of ammonium by inorganic phosphates have been studied separately in composting; however, there is a gap in the knowledge of combined application of RP with organic residues and microorganisms. The objectives were to evaluate the combined application of fresh poultry litter (PL) with RP and P-solubilizing microorganisms (M) on soil organic matter pools, microbial biomass C (MB-C) and on whole-plant silage maize and grain yields. Two field experiments tested the effects of timing of applications of PL (8 Mg ha–1), RP (4 Mg ha–1) and microorganisms on soil organic matter pools, nutritional aspects and productive components of maize crop whole-plant silage. A second experiment evaluated the effects of RP doses (0, 3, 6 and 9 Mg ha–1) with a fixed dose of PL (8 Mg ha–1) on maize grains. Application of PL+RP decreased soil organic C, while RP alone increased the humin fraction C compared to the control. The MB-C in soil with PL and PL+RP+M increased in comparison to the control and the RP. The application of PL, based on an average of fall and spring, increased leaves + stem dry matter, while in the fall on its own, the highest cob yield was observed in the combination of PL+RP, showing synergistic effects. The best ratio of poultry litter to rock phosphate combination is 2:1 in the anticipated fall application on the maize silage crop or immediate application on the maize grain crops.

Methods and rates of poultry litter fertilization for corn silage in organic system

The creation of proper soil fertility is fundamental to the agroecological transition phase and guarantees the sustainability of organic agribusiness. In a randomized complete block design with a 3 x 2 factorial scheme with 1 additional treatment (control, without organic fertilizer), we tested three poultry litter rates (7, 14, and 21 Mg ha-1) at sowing or splitting between sowing (30%) and side-dressing (70%) for two summer corn whole-plant silage crops and for the soil chemical attributes. The splitting of the poultry litter rate during the rainy season preserves the soil K content, prevents the accumulation of soil P and increases the efficiency of the increasing yields of the organic whole-plant corn silage crop. The reapplication of pre-sowing poultry litter can lead to an accumulation of P and Ca in the soil but favors fresh matter and cob dry matter yields in the dry season. The splitting of the poultry litter rate for whole-plant corn silage can guarantee technical and environmental sustainability in rainy years, but on the other hand, the reapplication of this organic fertilizer only at pre-sowing can increase the fresh matter yield and protein quality of organic whole-plant corn silage cultivated in an Inceptisol in the dry season.

0483 Comparison of barley silage with varying digestible fiber content to corn silage on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis using RUSITEC technique

The objectives of this study were to assess the magnitude of differences among barley silages with different in vitro NDF digestibility (ivNDFD) in comparison with corn silage in 1) predicted carbohydrate digestibility 2) rumen fermentation characteristics and 3) microbial protein synthesis using Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC). The experiment was carried-out in a completely randomized block design with four treatments. The four whole-plant silages utilized in this study were: CS-TMR = corn silage (30h ivNDFD = 32%), HNDFD-TMR = barley silage with high ivNDFD (30h ivNDFD = 37%), INDFD-TMR = barley silage with intermediate ivNDFD (30h ivNDFD = 28%), and LNDFD-TMR = barley silage with low ivNDFD (30h ivNDFD = 26%). Results from RUSITEC showed that nutrient disappearance, rumen fermentation characteristics, and microbial protein synthesis did not differ among diets that contained different varieties of barley silage (P > 0.1). However, CS-TMR tended to have a higher microbial protein yield than all barl...

Soil amendment with digestate from bio-energy fermenters for mitigating damage to Beta vulgaris subspp. by Heterodera schachtii

Soils benefit from organic matter inputs to increase their carbon pool and replenish plant nutrient contents. In Germany, the surge of biogas production from whole-plant silage of maize results in large amounts of digestate. Research projects have addressed the use of this material in nutrient cycling and the potential for pathogen transfer through biogas fermenters. Nematode suppression has been associated with organic soil amendments. Management of Heterodera schachtii relies heavily on agronomic practices and cultivar selection for suppressing this soil pest. Here, evaluations of the potential for soil and plant health benefits of anaerobically and mesophilically generated digestate from maize silage are reported. In one microplot experiment with Beta vulgaris altissima, Heterodera schachtii-infested soil was amended with 0.5-, 1-, and 2-fold of commercial rates of the digestate or mineral fertilizer. Amendment with the digestate reduced primary nematode infection and improved plant growth, three weeks and five weeks after planting, respectively. In a second experiment with B. vulgaris vulgaris, rates were 0.25-, 0.5-, 1-, and 2-fold the commercially used rate, and similar early-season results were obtained. One month after digestate application, bacterial but not fungal communities associated with nematodes in soil were only slightly affected by the treatment. Digestate had nematode suppressing properties that warrant further exploration for its efficient use.

High dry matter whole-plant corn as a biomass feedstock

This research investigated the harvest, ambient pre-treatment, and storage of whole-plant corn as an alternative to conventional systems where corn grain and stover are fractionated at harvest. Harvesting the whole-plant, both grain and most of the above ground stover, after physiological maturity can reduce the intense logistics challenges typically associated with corn harvest and expand the harvest window. To determine the feasibility of the proposed system, corn was harvested at 350–840 g kg−1 whole-plant dry matter (DM) using a forage harvester and then ensiled in pilot-scale silos. Ambient pretreatment during storage was investigated using both dilute acid and lime. Both pretreated and control whole-plant silages were very well conserved during anaerobic storage with DM losses generally less than 40 g kg−1. Hydrodynamic separation of the grain and stover fractions after storage was found to be more effective at fractionating starch and fiber than conventional dry grain harvest, and both fractions had desirable composition. The effects of pretreatment on the silage were very pronounced at 30 and 100 g (kg DM)−1 sulfuric acid loading with less than 100 g (kg DM)−1 of the hemicellulose still bound in the cell wall at DM contents greater than 500 g kg−1. The whole-plant harvest and storage system was shown to be a viable alternative to conventional corn grain and stover systems for producing feedstocks for biochemical conversion.

Effect of water-saving irrigation regime on whole-plant yield and nutritive value of maize hybrids

The effect of a water-saving irrigation regime on yield, chemical composition, rumen in situ dry matter disappearance (DMD) and neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD), along with 7 h in vitro starch degradability (7 h IVSD), in maize hybrids selected for whole-plant silage making was investigated. A plot experiment was conducted in a continental climate location and four commercial maize hybrids (FAO class 700) were used in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of irrigation treatments (fully irrigated (FI) and water-saving regime (WS)) and four replicates/treatment. The total amount of irrigation water was 494 mm in FI plots and 367 mm in WS plots, the latter achieved by skipping irrigations at vegetative growth stage, silking and blistering. Whole-plant yield, chemical composition, DMD, NDFD and 7 h IVSD slightly differed among hybrids and were not influenced by irrigation treatments. Plant dry matter content was lower in FI than WS plots (320 vs. 341 g kg⁻¹) , respectively; P < 0.05). Differences among hybrids were recorded for starch and acid detergent fiber contents (P < 0.05). The lack of differences on yield and nutritive value in tested maize hybrids grown under different water supply suggests the water-saving regime could be suitable for an optimal use of available water in maize management.