12th September 2022

Maize feeding attributes

Cell wall digestibility (CWD) is becoming an increasing important factor for feeding high levels of maize silage in a diet. Over 50% of the total energy in maize is in the vegetative parts of the plant. In varieties with high CWD, more of this energy is available to the cow.

Varieties with high CWD provide a slow release of carbohydrate to the rumen, reducing the risk of acidosis from high starch content. This becomes more important as the proportion of maize in the diet rises above 40%.

Pinnacle is the new maize variety set to become a class leading First Choice variety on the 2019 BSPB/NIAB list. With a FAO of 190 it leads the very early category combining early maturity with excellent early vigour for rapid early season growth.

Pinnacle combines a very high starch yield of 112% with improved CWD to produce superb quality silage and a DM yield of 103%. The improved CWD of 58.5% maximises the energy yield and feeding performance. Book early to ensure seed availability for the 2018 growing season.

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