Effect of corn hybrid type on the nutritional value of silage

Corn (Zea mays L.) silage is an important source of fiber and energy for ruminants. Corn silage studies were conducted in the Vologda Region in 2023. Three types of silage corn hybrids were ensiled at moisture concentrations ranging from 68.00 to 80.00% and evaluated for nutrient concentration and quality. Each corn hybrid was planted on 28,00 to 55,00 ha plots in late May according to individual specifications. Seeding rates ranged from 18,00 to 23,00 kg. Harvest dates were between 21 and 30 September and 2 and 6 October, when whole plant samples averaged 65,00% moisture. The crude protein content in the experimental samples varied from 7.64 to 8.85%, crude fiber – from 25.00 to 27.04% in the Vologda district and from 23.81 to 25.65% in the Gryazovetsky district. All the studied corn hybrids had sufficient dry matter content (24,00–28,00%). Corn is a highly productive crop that is grown both for grain and for green mass. In addition, it is distinguished by high energy nutritional value (more than 10.00 MJ per 1 kg of dry matter) and net lactation energy (5.97–7.01 MJ). Analysis of the content of organic acids showed that the ratio of lactic acid to acetic acid in corn silage ranged from 3.31 to 3.73. The content of butyric acid in the samples does not exceed the permissible values provided for by GOST.