Evaluation of open-pollinated corn varieties for silage production under organic cultivation

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Abstract

Open-pollinated corn varieties (OPVs) are generally associated with lower field productivity but can be useful in scenarios with low input investments (e.g., fertilization) and challenging weather conditions. Research on these OPVs for silage production in southern Brazil is limited. Thus, this study evaluated the agronomic performance and chemical composition of seventeen OPVs for silage production in an organic system. The dry matter (DM) yield ranged from 10.6 to 17.9 t/ha, but there was no difference between OPVs (P > 0,05). The SINT PF 7031 had the highest grain proportion in the ensiled mass (40.6 %; P < 0.001), which resulted in lower (P < 0.001) neutral detergent fiber content (59.6 % DM). After the silos were opened, the silage from BRS 3042 had 6.41 % of DM loss, which did not differ (P > 0,05) from the lowest DM loss observed (3.70 % for SINT PF 7031). During the aerobic exposure period, the CMST 029 FA showed the highest aerobic stability (213 h; P < 0.001). Based on field production, chemical composition, and silage loss and stability, the recommended varieties for organic cultivation in southern Rio Grande do Sul are BRS 3042, CMST 029 FA, and SINT PF 7031.
Keywords: agronomic performance; corn silage; open cross genotype; organic fertilization.

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Author Biography

  • Carlos Henrique Silveira Rabelo, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

    Estudante de Graduação em Zootecnia na Universidade José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS). Atua principalmente nas seguintes áreas: pastagem e forragicultura, com ênfase em conservação de alimentos.

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Published

2026-05-19

Issue

Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

Section

ANIMAL SCIENCE

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How to Cite

REDISS, W. B. et al. Evaluation of open-pollinated corn varieties for silage production under organic cultivation. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, v. 27, 19 May2026.

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