What is Starch content?
Starch is the largest component of the maize kernel. In livestock feeding it is a source of energy; in the starch industry it is the raw material for products such as glucose syrup.
In silage most of the starch comes from the ear, so plants with a high ear share and well-filled kernels generally make higher-energy silage. Nutrition tables usually state starch content on a dry matter basis.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
When producing for the feed or starch industry, the starch and other nutritional values reported for a variety feed directly into the choice.
CasSeed varieties related to this topic
The relevant characteristics are listed on each variety’s technical sheet.
FAO 650–700 · Silage maize seed
265–300 cm plant height and 9–10 t/da silage yield; also suited to starch and feed industries.
Related terms
Dry matter (DM)
Dry matter is what remains of a feed or plant sample once all its water has been removed, usually expressed as a percentage.
Dent kernel
A dent kernel is a maize kernel type with a distinct depression on its crown that makes it look like a horse’s tooth when dry.
Silage maize
Silage maize is maize grown so that the whole plant (stalk, leaves and ear) can be chopped, fermented in airtight conditions and stored as animal feed.