In a first step, the dry matter and energy yields as well as the cob proportions are determined depending on the variety. This is done by separating the silage maize plant into cobs and the remaining plant during harvest and weighing the fresh mass yield of both parts of the plant and then determining DM.

Rumen physiological studies on fistulated oxen are intended to provide information about the fermentation environment that occurs in the rumen when high proportions of the corn silages made from the nine varieties are fed. The pH value, the total fatty acid content and the molar ratio of the volatile fatty acids formed determine the further effect on the metabolism of ruminants. With the help of the fistula animals, meaningful investigations can be carried out that go beyond the Weender analysis with regard to the characterization of silage maize. Incubation experiments with the ensiled cobs and remaining plants provide parameters of dry matter and nutrient degradation in the rumen. Differences in the soluble and potentially fermentable portion of starch, for example, influence the duodenal influx of nutrients and the energy supply for ruminants. The Cornell system carbohydrate and protein fractions are used for comprehensive analysis of the tested varieties.

Since the statements in the literature are contradictory in this regard, the question of how the (expected) differences between the nine corn silages affect the feed intake and milk production of dairy cows will ultimately be investigated using the most important silage maize varieties in Austria. To get a clear result, the silages will make up a high proportion of the ration.

This also allows another, increasingly important research question to be addressed: the fatty acid (FA) composition of milk. The levels of omega-3 FAs, which are considered beneficial in human nutrition, and also conjugated linoleic acids (cis9-trans11 C18:2 = rumenic acid, trans-11 C18:1 = vaccenic acid) are negative in this test with an extremely high emphasis on silage maize Control variant in contrast to milk from Alpine pasture farming. Another new aspect is the investigation of the influence of different types of corn on the fatty acid composition of milk.

Further information on project management can be found in the database for research and sustainable development (Dafne) -> Link