Relationships among plant moisture, plant yield components and quality of whole-plant maize (Zea mays L.) silage
1977
Asamoah-Appiah, S. (Ghana Univ., Legon (Ghana). Dept. of Crop Science) | Hunter, R.B. (Guelph Univ., Guelph (Canada). Dept. of Crop Science)
The effect of harvest date on yield, moisture content and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) percent of two maize varieties recommended for use in Ghana was studied. The relationship between dry matter yield, moisture content and quality were also examined. Maize should be harvested for whole plant corn silage when whole plant moisture level is between 62 and 70% which favour desirable fermentation in the ensiling process and allow for high dry matter intake by animals. 62-70% whole plant moisture occurred from 5 to 6 weeks after anthesis. At this time, grain moisture was approximately 38-43% and maximum grain yield was not yet attained nor was maximum IVDDM. It is not practical to delay harvest until maximum IVDDM since this would result in a reduction in total dry matter yield and poor ensiling due to the excessive dryness of the maize
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