American hybrid maize for silage in the south of England Part II. Composition, nutritive value and losses in the silo

Abstract

The results are given of an investigation of the successful production, and of the chemical composition and feeding value, of maize silage made from early maturing varieties of hybrid maize grown for three consecutive years in the south of England. The maize was ensiled at a stage when the cob contributed approximately 50% of the total crop and the dry-matter content of the crop varied from 16·3 to 27·2%. The mean crude protein content of the dry matter of the silage was 9·5% (range 7·9–11·2%). Average weight losses in the silo were fresh matter 25%, dry matter 30%, crude protein 25%, and soluble carbohydrates 40%.In three controlled feeding trials with cows and heifers in milk, maize silage was found to be equal in nutritive value to a ration of mangolds and oat and tare silage when fed on an equal dry-matter basis. The silage was very palatable and a daily ration of 50 lb. was consumed.It is concluded that although maize silage compares favourably with an average crop of cereal -legume silage in feeding value, its adoption on a wide scale cannot be recommended in view of the relatively low yield of dry matter per acre, the high costs of production and the appreciable silo