Effects of the Harvest Stage of Maize Hybrids on the Chemical Composition of Plant Fractions: An Analysis of the Different Types of Silage

The chemical composition of plant components three maize hybrids harvested at the beginning six reproductive stages maturity was compared. evaluated included Maximus VIP3, Defender VIP and Feroz VIP, which were each following stages: R1 (grain formation), R2 (milky grain), R3 (pasty R4 (floury R5 (hard grain) R6 (ripe grain). advancement in maturation linearly related to crude protein (CP) content stem, whole plant, leaves, there a difference among hybrids. Between stages, presented highest CP contents for husk (6.58 5.42% Maximus; 5.54 5.17% Defender). neutral detergent fiber (NDF) leaves showed quadratic relationship with but did not differ For all hybrids, NDF cobs increased during (>77 78%, respectively, R6). had lowest cob R3. acid lignin stems, linear decrease throughout though Due differences observed, recommendations harvest based on stage hybrid should be taken into consideration. There seems no important distinction harvesting use straw. Despite reduction grain yield, an early earlage or snaplage can provide lower cob, as well higher husk, favoring nutritional value vegetative fraction (husk and/or cob).