A new study from Mexico sheds light on the potential of native corn varieties for silage production, a fermented animal feed. The research compared the performance of four native maize varieties (Amarillo, Olotillo, Tampiqueño, and Tuxpeño) with a commercially available hybrid variety.
The Quest for Better Silage: Exploring Native Corn Varieties
Silage is a fermented feed made from chopped forage crops. Selecting the right type of forage is crucial for maximizing its nutritional value for animals. This study investigated the suitability of native Mexican corn varieties for silage production, comparing them to a commercial hybrid.
Hybrid Boasts Higher Dry Matter, Lower Fiber
The analysis revealed some key differences in the fresh forage composition. The commercial hybrid contained higher levels of dry matter, organic matter, starch, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (beneficial for energy), while having lower fiber content. This suggests the hybrid might have a slight edge in terms of initial nutritional value.
Fermentation Favors Silage: Higher Digestibility and Stability
However, the story shifted when looking at the ensiled (fermented) forage. Ensiling generally increases digestibility and nutrient availability for animals. Interestingly, regardless of the variety, ensiled forage had higher levels of most nutrients compared to fresh forage. This highlights the benefits of the fermentation process.
Amarillo Emerges as the Silage Champion
Among the native varieties, Amarillo stood out. Ensiled Amarillo forage demonstrated the highest feeding value, including dry matter intake, digestible energy, and rumen degradability. This indicates that after fermentation, the Amarillo variety offered superior nutritional benefits for ruminant animals.
Stability Matters: Amarillo and Hybrid Resist Spoilage
The study also evaluated silage stability during aerobic exposure, mimicking real-world storage conditions. Amarillo and the hybrid variety exhibited the greatest stability, withstanding exposure for extended periods and showing minimal deterioration. This is crucial for minimizing storage losses and ensuring consistent feed quality.
Native Powerhouse: A Promising Alternative
This study highlights the potential of native Mexican corn varieties, particularly Amarillo, for silage production. While the commercial hybrid might have a slight edge in initial dry matter content, the Amarillo variety emerged as the champion after fermentation, offering superior feeding value and stability. This research opens doors for exploring native corn varieties as a viable and potentially more sustainable option for silage production in Mexico and beyond.
Edwin Rafael Alvarado-Ramírez, Gilberto Ballesteros-Rodea, Abdelfattah Zeidan Mohamed Salem, José Reyes-Hernández, Camelia Alejandra Herrera-Corredor, Javier Hernández-Meléndez, Andrés Gilberto Limas-Martínez, Daniel López-Aguirre and Marco Antonio Rivas-Jacobo. The Impact of Genotype on Chemical Composition, Feeding Value and In Vitro Rumen Degradability of Fresh and Ensiled Forage of Native Maize (Zea mays L.) from Mexico. Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112161