In vivo silage feeding value of early maize hybrids registered in France between 1958 and 1994

The in vivo feeding value of 118 early maize (Zea mays L) hybrids, registered in France between 1958 and 1994, has been estimated from digestibility measurements with sheep at INRA Lusignan (France). There were great variations in the digestibilities of organic matter and crude fibre, and in the energy value of these hybrids, ranging respectively between 65.1 and 73.5%, 45.4 and 60.0%, and 0.79 and 0.95 UFL. There was a regular decrease in the average feeding value, regarding the year of registration, for each of the feeding value traits investigated. From 1958 to date, the frequency of hybrids lower than Mammouth increased, while the number of hybrids higher than LG11 or Brutus clearly decreased. Across the years, the increase in variations among hybrids occurred because of the introduction of hybrids with a poorer feeding value, particularly since the end of the 80's. The extremely efficient genetic pressure in breeding for whole plant yield and stalk standability could explain the drift in feeding value. A silage maize hybrid with a high yield, a high lodging resistance, and a good feeding value can be available only if breeders use a digestibility assessment, proved as representative of the digestion in cattle. In addition to a digestibility evaluation, the prediction of maize ingestibility could be taken into account as soon as a criterion is established. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.