Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Maize for silage has been used as fodder in different parts of the world for a long time and has recently become more common also in Sweden. Our cold climate has been a problem as maize is very sensitive to low temperatures and frost. With new varieties and better techniques for cultivation it is now possible to grow maize in the southern and middle parts of Sweden. As for the north of Sweden the length of the cultivation season is a limiting factor as there are too few days with temperatures of over +10 ºC. Maize is well suited for silage making but oxygen-free conditions are required. Its low buffer capacity reduces pH very fast,
which usually minimizes unwanted micro-organisms which are not healthy for the animals and keeping nutrition values high. As the energy value is high and the protein value low in maize silage it is recommended to give maize in combination with some other forage, for
example clover. For enough structure hay or straw should be given together with maize.
Maize silage has been shown to have a positive effect on high producing animals and because
of the high content of energy it can be given as an energy complement to cow and calf in beef
production, to heifers and dairy cows. More studies are needed as an increased production of
maize for silage in Sweden may be profitable economically as well as nutritionally.