KWS's EnergyBOOST silage maize outperforms traditional varieties, boosting milk production and farm profits through higher energy value and improved feed efficiency.
Trial compares two silage maize varieties
Arvalis conducted a two-year trial to evaluate KWS's EnergyBOOST silage maize variety on a dairy farm, comparing it with a commonly used control variety called Elite. The study involved 20 cows in each group, all fed the same ration of 52% silage maize with added grass silage, ears, and cake, with the only difference being the type of maize used.Results show improved milk production
The trial found that cows fed KWS's EnergyBOOST variety produced 1 kg more raw milk per day compared to those fed the control variety. The KWS variety also showed a significant improvement in feed margin, with higher energy value, starch content 3.3 points higher, and fiber digestibility 5.3 points higher than the control.Economic benefits and manure analysis
The economic gain from using KWS's variety was calculated at +16 cents per cow per day, which translates to about 7,000 euros annually for a 120-cow herd. Analysis of manure indicated better starch utilization from the KWS maize, which contributed to increased milk production and profitability.Feed cost margin as a key indicator
KWS and its partners stress that yield alone is not enough when choosing a silage maize variety. The feed cost margin (MCA) is a crucial indicator that combines yield with feed value. Factors like starch content, fiber digestibility, and UFL (units of feed lactation) influence farm profitability.Impact of silage variety on milk production
According to Hugues Chauveau, a nutrition and forage consultant, differences in these factors can result in up to 2 kg of milk variation between silage maize varieties. Storage time is also important, as the full digestibility potential is achieved after 2 to 3 months of storage.EnergyBOOST label identifies high-value varieties
The EnergyBOOST label, developed by KWS with nutritionists, identifies silage maize varieties with high energy density. These varieties are selected based on criteria like starch degradability, milk allowance in rations, feed efficiency, and feed cost margin. Choosing the right variety can add up to +38 cents per day per cow, or about 16,650 euros annually for a 120-cow farm.EnergyBOOST approach focuses on performance
KWS's EnergyBOOST approach, explained by Samuel Batard and Jean-Luc Demars, emphasizes the added value of silage maize in dairy farming. It considers both the quantity of forage produced and its quality, measured by the milk it enables and the margin it generates. This "double performance" concept was validated by Arvalis in their trial.Nine varieties now labeled EnergyBOOST
Nine silage maize varieties are currently labeled under the EnergyBOOST label, which highlights their superior nutritional value. The approach shifts the focus from just yield to also include the nutritional impact on animals, ensuring better profitability and performance in dairy farming.
