Effects of Fermentation Characteristics and Feed Value of Some Maize Cultivars Ensiled at Different Stages of Maturity

This study was carried out to determine the effects of harvesting some maize cultivars (Akdeniz, Gozdem, Pioneer 3167, Ada 9510) on the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, in vitro digestible dry and organic matter yields of maize silages. Maize varieties were harvested at the early-milk, milk and dough stages and were ensiled in 1.5 liter special jars equipped with a lid that enabled gas release only. The jars were stored at 25 +/- 2 degrees C under laboratory conditions. Silages were sampled for chemical and microbiological analyses on day 45 after ensiling. In additions in vitro organic matters digestibility of the silages were determined with enzymatic methods. The result of the study indicated that fermentation characteristics, nutritional and cell wall composition, dry and organic matter yield and digestibility organic matters were affected by harvest stage and cultivars.