![]() Daynard reviewed the dynamics of whole plant DM concentration for corn, the achievement of maximum silage and grain yield during the grain filling period, and the consequences this has on ensiling and nutritive value of corn silage in short-season regions in Canada. ![]() However, corn grown on the Canadian prairies for silage does not always achieve its potential due to a cool environment where season-length and temperature limit kernel filling, maturation, and attainment of the required 320–380 g kg −1 whole plant DM content necessary for ensiling. This work showed the high variability of biomass yield and nutritive quality of short-season CS hybrids grown in Northern areas. Whole plant DM and CHU seed-harv were also good predictors of starch ( R 2 = 0.54). However, DM yield was the most predictable factor ( R 2 = 0.86) with CHU seed-harv being the strongest contributor (48%) to the overall variability, followed by water supply (23%). Within and among locations, CHU seed-harv differently affected nutrient composition and DM yield. Overall, CP and NDF were positively correlated ( r = 0.48, p < 0.01), but both were negatively correlated with DM yield ( r = −0.63, −0.28, p < 0.01) and starch (both r = 0.71, p < 0.01). ![]() Location, hybrid, and year affected nutrient composition and yield. Then, CHU seed-harv, water supply, whole plant DM, CHU rating of the hybrid, and cob percentage were assessed as predictors of nutrient content. Samples were analysed for nutrient content i.e., DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), starch, and in vitro DM and NDF digestibilities (48 h incubation). Corn heat units (CHU) from seeding to harvesting (CHU seed-harv) and water supply were recorded. Hybrids were harvested before occurrence of frost at a target dry matter (DM) content of 300 to 400 g kg −1. Six corn hybrids were grown in three years at four locations within the Canadian prairies with four field replications. ![]() This work aimed at determining biomass yield and nutritive quality of short-season corn CS hybrids. The development of short-season hybrids has made corn ( Zea mays L.) silage (CS) production possible in cooler areas.
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