Comparison of Male Sterile and Male Fertile Corn for Silage 1

Abstract A comparison of male sterile and male fertile corn ( Zea mays L.) for dry matter production, total available carbohydrates (TAC), silage digestibility, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production from the silage during rumen dermentation was made at Experiment, Georgia in 1968 to 1969. Dry forage yields were similar for the male literile and male fertile corn in 1968, but the male sterile vielded more than the male fertile in 1969. The male fertile hybrid contained a higher percentage TAC than did the male sterile hybrid. There were no significant percentage differences between the silages in individual VFA production, or digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, cellulose, ether extract, and nitrogen iree extract. The data indicate that at the maturity studied male sterile corn plants (without kernel development) are comparable to male fertile corn plants (with kernel development) for making silage.