Maíz para silo de planta entera: efecto de genotipo y altura de corte en la producción y calidad para alimentación animal

The main objective of this research study is to assess the effect of maize genotype and cutting height on the production and quality of livestock feed. In order to evaluate both the genetic materials and the use of whole plant silage, two maize hybrids (SYN 126 and SYN 139) were chopped at two cutting heights and were silage during 30 days in micro silo. SYN 126 showed higher grain and silo yield. SYN 139 showed greater dry matter digestibility and metabolizable energy. However, cutting height showed no significant differences. In conclusion, the hybrid SYN 126 had greater agronomic performance and the hybrid SYN 139 had better nutritional quality. In addition, the decision-making process on cutting heights should be examined based on the importance of the need for leaving greater amounts of stubble in the productive system.