Impact of stalk cut height at different stages of kernels maturity on nutritive value of whole plant corn silage for sheep (with 2 tables) [electronic resource]

Includes references.

This work was conducted to evaluate the impact of raising height of cutting at harvest (from 11 cm for normal cut to 33 cm for high cut) at three stages of kernels maturity just denting (JD), ~ milk line (~ ML), and Black layer (BL) on DM yield, composition and digestibility of whole-plant com silage (WPCS) for sheep. One type of com hybrid was harvested either at JD (early WPC); ~ ML (mid WPC) or BL (late WPC). The cutting height at harvest was altered to leave 11 cm or 33 cm of the stalk in the field. Dry matter yield was determined at harvest. After 40 days of ensiling, WPCS were analyzed to determine silage quality (pH and lactic acid) and chemical composition. Digestion coefficients of the different nutrients was measured in 6 rams. Dry matter yield increased as maturity progressed and decreased by alteration of cutting height. Advancing stage of maturity and increasing the height of cutting raised the concentrations of DM and NFC and reduced contents of NDF, ADF and lignin. Crude protein content decreased with maturity, but not affected by alteration of cutting height. As to the quality of silage, maturity increased the pH value and decreased lactic acid concentration, while alteration of cutting height did not have any effect. Digestion coefficient of DM, CP, NDF and ADF were not affected by maturity. While, that of NFC decreased as the stage of maturity progressed from JD to BL. Height of cutting increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of NDF and ADF. So delaying maturity of corn and increasing the height of cutting improves nutritive value of its silage.

Summary in Arabic.