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Cited by 253Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive PhysiologyCrop Yield and Soil FertilityAnimal Nutrition and Physiology

Nutritive value of maize silage in relation to dairy cow performance and milk quality

Open access
Khan, Nazir A, Yu, Peiqiang, Ali, Mubarak, Cone, John W, Hendriks, Wouter H·2015·Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
DOI 10.1002/jsfa.6703
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Abstract

Maize silage has become the major forage component in the ration of dairy cows over the last few decades. This review provides information on the mean content and variability in chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and ensiling quality of maize silages, and discusses the major factors which cause these variations. In addition, the effect of the broad range in chemical composition of maize silages on the total tract digestibility of dietary nutrients, milk production and milk composition of dairy cows is quantified and discussed. Finally, the optimum inclusion level of maize silage in the ration of dairy cows for milk production and composition is reviewed. The data showed that the nutritive value of maize silages is highly variable and that most of this variation is caused by large differences in maturity at harvest. Maize silages ensiled at a very early stage (dry matter (DM) < 250 g kg(-1)) were particularly low in starch content and starch/neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratio, and resulted in a lower DM intake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein content. The DMI, milk yield and milk protein content increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for maize silages ensiled at DM contents of 300-350 g kg(-1), and then declined slightly at further maturity beyond 350 g kg(-1). The increases in milk (R(2) = 0.599) and protein (R(2) = 0.605) yields with maturity of maize silages were positively related to the increase in starch/NDF ratio of the maize silages. On average, the inclusion of maize silage in grass silage-based diets improved the forage DMI by 2 kg d(-1), milk yield by 1.9 kg d(-1) and milk protein content by 1.2 g kg(-1). Further comparisons showed that, in terms of milk and milk constituent yields, the optimum grass/maize silage ratio depends on the quality of both the grass and maize silages. Replacement of grass silage with maize silage in the ration, as well as an increasing maturity of the maize silages, altered the milk FA profile of the dairy cows, notably, the concentration of the cis-unsaturated FAs, C18:3n-3 and n-3/n-6 ratio decreased in milk fat. Despite variation in nutritive value, maize silage is rich in metabolizable energy and supports higher DMI and milk yield. Harvesting maize silages at a DM content between 300 and 350 g kg(-1) and feeding in combination with grass silage results in a higher milk yield of dairy cows.

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Crossref · 10.1002/jsfa.6703

Cites

110 of 110 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

40 of 201 cited sources checked · 6 supported · 3 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    In a recent study, an indirect comparison of 24 published studies and 106 treatment means showed no significant influence of length of cut on total-tract NDF digestibility, DMI, milk production and composition.

    “In a recent study, 73 an indirect comparison of 24 published studies and 106 treatment means showed no significant influence of LOC on the total-tract NDF digestibility, DMI, milk production and composition.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] 73. Clark PW and Armentano LE, Influence of particle size on the effec- tiveness of the fiber in corn silage. J Dairy Sci 82:581-588 (1999). source

      The Yr 1 and Yr 2 methods describe experiments with 15 cows each, not an indirect comparison of 24 studies and 106 treatment means. Results and Discussion states that digestibility was not measured and that chopping increased milk and milk-protein yields in yr 2, contrary to the claimed across-the-board absence of an effect. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisereasoning

    Incorporation of maize silages in grass silage-based rations has increased to improve productivity of dairy cows.

    “the incorporation of maize silages in grass silage-based rations has been increased to improve productivity of dairy cows. 1 -5,8-14”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 10 sources checked
    • cites [1] 1. O'Mara FP, Fitzgerald JJ, Murphy JJ and Rath M, The effect on milk production of replacing grass silage with maize silage in the diet of dairy cows. Livest Prod Sci 55:79-87 (1998). source
    • cites [2] 2. Keady TWJ, Kilpatrick DJ, Mayne CS and Gordon FJ, Effects of replac- ing grass silage with maize silages, differing in maturity, on per- formance and potential concentrate sparing effect of dairy cows offered two feed value grass silages. Livest Sci 119:1-11 (2008). source
    • cites [3] 3. Kliem KE, Morgan R, Humphries DJ, Shingfield KJ and Givens DI, Effect of replacing grass silage with maize silage in the diet on bovine milk fatty acid composition. Animal 2:1850-1858 (2008). source
    • cites [4] 4. Khan NA, Tewoldebrhan TA, Zom RLG, Cone JW, Hendriks WH, Effect of corn silage harvest maturity and concentrate type on milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 95:1472-1483 (2012). source
    • cites [5] 5. Khan NA, Cone JW, Fievez V and Hendriks WH, Causes of variation in fatty acid content and composition in grass and maize silages. Anim Feed Sci Technol 174:3-45 (2012).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [8] 8. Hameleers A, The effects of the inclusion of either maize silage, fermented whole crop wheat or urea-treated whole crop wheat in a diet based on a high-quality grass silage on the performance of dairy cows. Grass Forage Sci 53:157-163 (1998). source
    • cites [9] 9. Mulligan FJ, Quirke J, Rath M, Caffrey PJ and O'Mara FP, Intake, digestibility, milk production and kinetics of digestion and pas- sage for diets based on maize or grass silage fed to late lactation dairy cows. Livest Prod Sci 74:113-124 (2002). source
    • cites [10] 10. Murphy JJ, Kavanagh S and Fitzgerald JJ, Comparative evaluation of grass silage, fermented whole crop wheat silage, urea-treated processed whole crop wheat silage and maize silage in the diet of early lactation cows. In Proceedings of the 55th Annual Meeting of the EAAP, Bled, Solvenia, 5-9 September (2004). source
    • cites [11] 11. Burke F, Murphy JJ, O'Donovan MA, O'Mara FP, Kavanagh S and Mulligan FJ, Comparative evaluation of alternative forages to grass silage in the diet of early lactation dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 90:908-917 (2007). source
    • cites [12] 12. Cooke KM, Bernard JK and West JW, Performance of lactating dairy cows fed ryegrass silage and corn silage with ground corn, steam-flaked corn, or hominy feed. J Dairy Sci 92:1117-1123 (2009).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Premisecitation

    Variation in maturity at ensiling during grain filling results in major changes in content and composition of carbohydrates (starch/NDF ratio) in maize silages.

    “The variation in maturity at ensiling during the grain filling period results in major changes in the content and composition of the carbohydrates (starch/neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratio) in maize silages”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [2] 2. Keady TWJ, Kilpatrick DJ, Mayne CS and Gordon FJ, Effects of replac- ing grass silage with maize silages, differing in maturity, on per- formance and potential concentrate sparing effect of dairy cows offered two feed value grass silages. Livest Sci 119:1-11 (2008). source
    • cites [16] 16. Buck G, Miller WG, Coppock CE and Slack ST, Effect of recutting and plant maturity on kernel passage and feeding value of corn silage. J Dairy Sci 52:1617-1623 (1969). source

      The Abstract describes corn silages harvested at different plant maturities, and Digestibility Studies describes measuring available carbohydrate, principally sugars and starches. But the passages found do not report that maturity caused major changes in carbohydrate composition or in the starch/NDF ratio; searches for starch, NDF, and maturity-related composition changes did not establish that point. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Variation in maturity at ensiling affects silage DMI, milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows.

    “affecting silage DMI, milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows.16 -21”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim5 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [16] 16. Buck G, Miller WG, Coppock CE and Slack ST, Effect of recutting and plant maturity on kernel passage and feeding value of corn silage. J Dairy Sci 52:1617-1623 (1969). source

      The Conclusion reports that increasing plant maturity raised silage dry-matter intake up to about 35% DM, and the Results report differences in milk fat percentage for some treatments. But the Conclusion says maturity had little effect on milk production, while the Results report no significant difference in actual milk yield. The claim therefore overstates the milk-yield finding. (LLM, conf=0.89)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [17] 17. St Pierre NR, Bouchard R, St Laurent G, Roy GL and Vinet C, Perfor- mance of lactating dairy cows fed silage from corn of varying matu- rities. J Dairy Sci 70:108-115 (1987). source
    • cites [18] 18. Cammell SB, Sutton JD, Beever DE, Humphries DJ and Phipps RH, The effect of crop maturity on the nutritional value of maize silage for lactating dairy cows. 1. Energy and nitrogen utilization. Anim Sci 71:381-390 (2000). source
    • cites [19] 19. Warner D, Dijkstra J, Hendriks WH and Pellikaan WF, Passage kinetics of 13 C-labeled corn silage components through the gastrointesti- nal tract of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 96:5844-5858 (2013). source

      The Animals section reports that corn maturity significantly affected DMI and milk fat proportion. Milk yield only tended to increase (P = 0.087), milk protein was unaffected, and the reported DMI was for the total diet rather than silage specifically. Thus the source supports parts of the claim but not all of it as stated; page numbers were not supplied. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [20] 20. Khan NA, Cone JW, Hendriks WH, Stability of fatty acids in grass and maize silages after exposure to air during the feed out period. Anim Feed Sci Technol 154:183-192 (2009). source

      The available passages identify the paper and its topic but provide no findings on dairy cows. Searches for maturity at ensiling, milk yield, and silage dry-matter intake found no passage addressing the claimed effects. (LLM, conf=0.75)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [21] 21. Khan NA, Cone, JW, Fievez V and Hendriks WH, Stability of fatty acids during wilting of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.): effect of bruising and environmental conditions. J Sci Food Agric 91:1659-1665 (2011). source

      The indexed passages labeled Abstract contain bibliographic details and keywords about cutting date and silage, but no finding about dairy cows. Searches for maturity, dry-matter intake, milk yield, and milk composition found no passage addressing the claimed effects. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Akay and Jackson and Moreira et al. observed higher milk yields when lactating cows were fed diets based on waxy maize silage compared to normal starch maize silage.

    “Akay and Jackson 48 and Moreira et al. 49 observed higher milk yields when lactating cows were fed diets based on waxy maize silage compared to normal starch maize silage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [48] 48. Barlow JS, Bernard JK and Mullis NA, Production response to corn silage produced from normal, brown midrib, or waxy corn hybrids. J Dairy Sci 95:4550-4555 (2012). source
    • cites [49] 49. Philippeau C and Michalet-Doreau B, Influence of genotype and stage of maturity of maize on rate of ruminai starch degradation. Anim Feed Sci Technol 68:25-35 (1997). source
  • May combine two claims. 64
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 13
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 2

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Upon further increase in DM content beyond 350 g/kg, milk and protein yield declined in most studies, with significant differences observed at DM 380 g/kg and 450 g/kg.

    “Upon a further increase in DM content (beyond 350 g kg -1 ), the milk and protein yield declined in most studies, with significant differences observed at a DM content of 380 g kg -1 2 and 450 g kg -1 .19”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [2] 2. Keady TWJ, Kilpatrick DJ, Mayne CS and Gordon FJ, Effects of replac- ing grass silage with maize silages, differing in maturity, on per- formance and potential concentrate sparing effect of dairy cows offered two feed value grass silages. Livest Sci 119:1-11 (2008). source
    • cites [19] 19. Warner D, Dijkstra J, Hendriks WH and Pellikaan WF, Passage kinetics of 13 C-labeled corn silage components through the gastrointesti- nal tract of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 96:5844-5858 (2013). source

      The Animals section reports that milk yield tended to be higher with the most mature corn silage, while milk protein yield did not change with maturity. The Animals and Diet section gives late-harvest targets of 380–400 g/kg DM, not 450 g/kg; this study therefore does not show a significant decline at 450 g/kg. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    The increase in milk protein content could be related to high starch and so high ME intakes.

    “The increase in milk protein content could be related to high starch and so high ME intakes.4”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] 4. Khan NA, Tewoldebrhan TA, Zom RLG, Cone JW, Hendriks WH, Effect of corn silage harvest maturity and concentrate type on milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 95:1472-1483 (2012). source

      The Nutrient Intake and Animal Performance section (page unavailable) reports that starch intake increased with corn-silage maturity, but net energy intake did not differ. It also reports no difference in milk composition between the corn silages, contrary to the claimed increase in milk protein content. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Inclusion of maize silage in grass or grass silage-based diets of dairy cows increases feed intake, milk yield and milk protein content.

    “the inclusion of maize silage in grass or grass silage-based diets of dairy cows increases feed intake, milk yield and milk protein content. 1 -6”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [1] 1. O'Mara FP, Fitzgerald JJ, Murphy JJ and Rath M, The effect on milk production of replacing grass silage with maize silage in the diet of dairy cows. Livest Prod Sci 55:79-87 (1998). source
    • cites [2] 2. Keady TWJ, Kilpatrick DJ, Mayne CS and Gordon FJ, Effects of replac- ing grass silage with maize silages, differing in maturity, on per- formance and potential concentrate sparing effect of dairy cows offered two feed value grass silages. Livest Sci 119:1-11 (2008). source
    • cites [3] 3. Kliem KE, Morgan R, Humphries DJ, Shingfield KJ and Givens DI, Effect of replacing grass silage with maize silage in the diet on bovine milk fatty acid composition. Animal 2:1850-1858 (2008). source
    • cites [4] 4. Khan NA, Tewoldebrhan TA, Zom RLG, Cone JW, Hendriks WH, Effect of corn silage harvest maturity and concentrate type on milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 95:1472-1483 (2012). source

      The Introduction says that adding corn silage to grass- or grass silage-based diets can increase feed intake, milk yield, and milk protein content. The citing sentence states that it increases all three without that qualification. This study did not compare diets with and without corn silage; all treatment diets contained it. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [5] 5. Khan NA, Cone JW, Fievez V and Hendriks WH, Causes of variation in fatty acid content and composition in grass and maize silages. Anim Feed Sci Technol 174:3-45 (2012).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [6] 6. Phipps, RH, Weller RF and Rook AJ, Forage mixtures for dairy cows: the effect on dry matter intake and milk production of incorporating different proportions of maize silage into diets based on grass silage of differing energy value. J Agric Sci 118:379-382 (1992). source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Europe and other parts of the world, silage maize is harvested at whole-crop DM content ranging from 250 to 450 g/kg fresh weight.

    “silage maize is harvested at a wide range of maturities, with the whole-crop DM content ranging from 250 to 450 g kg -1 fresh weight.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [2] 2. Keady TWJ, Kilpatrick DJ, Mayne CS and Gordon FJ, Effects of replac- ing grass silage with maize silages, differing in maturity, on per- formance and potential concentrate sparing effect of dairy cows offered two feed value grass silages. Livest Sci 119:1-11 (2008). source
    • cites [15] 15. Huber JT, Polan CE and Hillman D, Urea in high corn silage rations for dairy cattle. J Anim Sci 27:220-226 (1968). source
    • cites [16] 16. Buck G, Miller WG, Coppock CE and Slack ST, Effect of recutting and plant maturity on kernel passage and feeding value of corn silage. J Dairy Sci 52:1617-1623 (1969). source

      Table 3 (page not provided) lists experimental corn silages from 22% to 46% dry matter, supporting the point that silage can be harvested at widely varying maturities. It does not establish 25%–45% as a general harvesting range in Europe or elsewhere. The Conclusion instead recommends 30%–35% dry matter as the desired harvest range. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Although NDF degradation of BMR cultivars is much higher within the rumen, effects of BMR on total tract in vivo NDF digestibility are equivocal.

    “Although the NDF degradation of BMR cultivars is much higher within the rumen, the effects of BMR on the total tract (in vivo) NDF digestibility are equivocal.69,70”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [69] 69. Oba M and Allen MS, Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation in corn silage on productivity of dairy cows fed two concentrations of dietary neutral detergent fiber. 1. Feeding behavior and nutrient utilization. J Dairy Sci 83:1333-1341 (2000).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [70] 70. Oba M and Allen MS, Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation in corn silage on productivity of dairy cows fed two concentrations of dietary neutral detergent fiber. 2. Chewing activities. J Dairy Sci 83:1342-1349 (2000). source

      The Trial 2 passages compare BMR with a conventional hybrid but discuss composition, intake, and milk production, not ruminal NDF degradation or total-tract NDF digestibility. The total-tract NDF results in Trial 3 concern different hybrids (39NDF and 33NDF). Searches for BMR ruminal degradation and total-tract digestibility found no passage settling the claim. (LLM, conf=0.74)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The nutritive value of maize silages is influenced by genotype, agronomic factors, growth conditions, maturity at harvest, harvesting practices and ensiling conditions.

    “The nutritive value of maize silages is influenced by a number of factors such as genotype (maturity type, cell wall or starch type and endosperm type) agronomic (soil type, fertilization etc.) and growth conditions (temperature, irradiation, etc.), maturity at harvest, harvesting practices (chop length, kernel processing, etc.) and ensiling conditions.7,27 -31”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [7] 7. Fitzgerald JJ and Murphy JJ, A comparison of low starch maize silage and grass silage and the effect of concentrate supplementation of the forages or inclusion of maize grain with the maize silage on milk production by dairy cows. Livest Prod Sci 57:95-111 (1999). source
    • cites [27] 27. Johnson LM, Harrison JH, Davidson D, Swift M, Mahanna WC and Shinners K, Corn silage management. II. Effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on digestion and energy content. J Dairy Sci 85:2913-2927 (2002). source

      The Introduction and Conclusions (pages not provided) link corn-silage nutritive value to harvest maturity, hybrid selection, mechanical processing and silage additives. The Digestibility section also relates digestibility to climate and soil moisture. The paper does not substantiate the sentence’s more specific examples of soil type, fertilization or irradiation. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [28] 28. Bal MA, Effects of hybrid type, stage of maturity, and fermentation length on whole plant corn silage quality. Turk J Vet Anim Sci 30:331-336 (2006).
    • cites [29] 29. Bal MA, Shaver RD, Jirovec AG, Shinners KJ and Coors JG, Crop pro- cessing and chop length of corn silage: effects on intake, diges- tion, and milk production by dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 83:1264-1273 (2000).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [30] 30. Keady TWJ, Ensiled maize and whole crop wheat forages for beef and dairy cattle: effects on animal performance, in Silage Produc- tion and Utilization Technology: Proceedings of the XIV International Silage Conference, ed. by Park RS and Stronge MD (eds), Belfast, UK, pp. 65-82 (2005).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [31] 31. Kolver ERJ, Miller D and Densley R, Maize silage for dairy cows, in 63rd Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association, pp. 195-202 (2001).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Progressing maturity of maize crop during grain-filling increases content of DM and starch, and decreases content of NDF and CP.

    “The progressing maturity of the maize crop during the grain-filling period increases the content of DM and starch, and decreases the content of NDF and CP.27,32,33”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [27] 27. Johnson LM, Harrison JH, Davidson D, Swift M, Mahanna WC and Shinners K, Corn silage management. II. Effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on digestion and energy content. J Dairy Sci 85:2913-2927 (2002). source
    • cites [32] 32. Cone JW, Van Gelder AH, Van Schooten HA and Groten JAM, Effects of forage maize type and maturity stage on in vitro rumen fermen- tation characteristics. Neth J Agric Sci 55:139-154 (2008).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [33] 33. Sutton JD, Cammell SB, Phipps RH, Beever DE and Humphries DJ, The effect of crop maturity on the nutritional value of maize silage for lactating dairy cows 2. Ruminal and post-ruminal digestion. Anim Sci 71:391-400 (2000). source

      The ‘Crop maturity and nutrient content’ discussion says that as maize matures, DM and starch increase while whole-plant fibre and protein decrease. It does not specifically establish a decline in NDF: Table 3 reports ADF, rather than NDF, across maturity levels. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    DM content increases with advancing maturity and can be used to mark harvest maturity.

    “A more precise criterion is the DM content as this increases with advancing maturity, and as such can be used to mark the harvest maturity.15,27”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] 15. Huber JT, Polan CE and Hillman D, Urea in high corn silage rations for dairy cattle. J Anim Sci 27:220-226 (1968). source
    • cites [27] 27. Johnson LM, Harrison JH, Davidson D, Swift M, Mahanna WC and Shinners K, Corn silage management. II. Effects of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing on digestion and energy content. J Dairy Sci 85:2913-2927 (2002). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    With increasing maturity of maize silages, starch content increases, which negatively affects ruminal fibre degradation.

    “Moreover, with increasing maturity of maize silages the starch content increases, which negatively affects ruminal fibre degradation.16,35”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [16] 16. Buck G, Miller WG, Coppock CE and Slack ST, Effect of recutting and plant maturity on kernel passage and feeding value of corn silage. J Dairy Sci 52:1617-1623 (1969). source

      The Digestibility Studies section describes measuring available carbohydrate, including starches, but does not establish that starch content increased with plant maturity. The Results and Conclusion report little effect of maturity on overall silage digestibility; they do not address ruminal fibre degradation or whether starch affected it. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.74)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [35] 35. Jochmann K, Lebzien P, Daenicke R, Flachowsky G, Jochmann K, Lebzien P et al., Influence of corn maturity and lactic acid bacteria during ensilage on nutrient conversion in the dairy cow digestive tract. J Anim Phys Anim Nutr 82:178-192(1999).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Higher intake characteristics of maize silage can be attributed to lower NDF and higher starch or energy content, and to faster degradation in the rumen.

    “The higher intake characteristics of maize silage can be attributed to lower NDF and higher starch or energy content, 2,4,39 and to a faster degradation in the rumen.4,11,86”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [2] 2. Keady TWJ, Kilpatrick DJ, Mayne CS and Gordon FJ, Effects of replac- ing grass silage with maize silages, differing in maturity, on per- formance and potential concentrate sparing effect of dairy cows offered two feed value grass silages. Livest Sci 119:1-11 (2008). source
    • cites [4] 4. Khan NA, Tewoldebrhan TA, Zom RLG, Cone JW, Hendriks WH, Effect of corn silage harvest maturity and concentrate type on milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 95:1472-1483 (2012). source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) describes corn silage as high in energy and starch and says its inclusion in grass-based diets can increase feed intake. Feed Composition (page unavailable) reports increasing starch and decreasing NDF across corn-silage harvests. The paper does not establish that corn silage degrades faster in the rumen or that faster degradation explains its intake characteristics; its discussion of highly degradable carbohydrates concerns concentrates. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [39] 39. Stevnebø A, Sahlström S and Svihus B, Starch structure and degree of starch hydrolysis of small and large starch granules from barley varieties with varying amylose content. Anim Feed Sci Technol 130:23-38 (2006). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Total-tract NDF digestibility numerically decreased with increasing length of cut, with the highest value 465 g/kg at the lowest length of cut 0.48-0.64 cm and the lowest value 449 g/kg at the highest length of cut >3.2 cm.

    “The total-tract NDF digestibility numerically decreased with increasing LOC, with the highest value of 465 g kg -1 recorded with the lowest LOC (0.48-0.64 cm) and the lowest value 449 g kg -1 recorded with the highest LOC (>3.2 cm).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] 73. Clark PW and Armentano LE, Influence of particle size on the effec- tiveness of the fiber in corn silage. J Dairy Sci 82:581-588 (1999). source

      The Yr 1 methods and diets section compares coarse, medium, and fine corn silage, but the passages found do not report total-tract NDF digestibility. Searches for digestibility, 465 and 449 g/kg, and the stated lengths of cut found no matching results in our copy; its Results and Discussion instead reports chewing outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Increased DMI often increases the level, but often not the efficiency, of milk production.

    “Thus the increased DMI, in turn, often increases the level, but often not the efficiency, of milk production.71,72”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [71] 71. Ferraretto LF and Shaver RD, Meta-analysis: effect of corn silage harvest practices on intake, digestion, and milk production by dairy cows. Prof Anim Sci 28:141-149 (2012). source
    • cites [72] 72. Fernandez I, Martin C, Champion M and Michalet-Doreau B, Effect of corn hybrid and chop length of whole-plant corn silage on digestion and intake by dairy cows. J Dairy Sci: 87:1298-1309 (2004). source

      The Intake and Milk Yield section (page unavailable) reports that cows fed the hybrid associated with higher DMI also had higher milk yield. It does not report whether milk-production efficiency increased, nor does this comparison establish that the pattern occurs often. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The decline in fibre digestibility could be related to negative associative effects of higher starch diets on ruminal fibre digestion and to the lower digestibility of stover as maize matures.

    “The decline in fibre digestibility could be related to negative associative effects of higher starch diets on the ruminal fibre digestion and to the lower digestibility of stover as maize matures.16,96”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [16] 16. Buck G, Miller WG, Coppock CE and Slack ST, Effect of recutting and plant maturity on kernel passage and feeding value of corn silage. J Dairy Sci 52:1617-1623 (1969). source

      The Digestibility Studies and Results (page not given) address available carbohydrate, kernel passage, and overall silage digestibility, but do not address negative effects of higher-starch diets on ruminal fibre digestion. Searches for fibre or stover digestibility as maize matures found no supporting passage. The reported lack of a significant maturity effect on overall silage digestibility does not establish what happened to stover fibre digestibility. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [96] 96. Chilliard Y, Ferlay A and Doreau M, Effect of different types of forages, animal fat or marine oils in cow's diet on milk fat secretion and composition, especially conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Livest Prod Sci 70:31-48 (2001). source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Medium-chain saturated FAs C12:0-C16:0 are traditionally regarded as hypercholesterolaemic.

    “The medium-chain saturated FAs (C12:0-C16:0) are traditionally regarded as hypercholesterolaemic.109”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [109] source

      Section 2, “Saturated Fatty Acids” (page unavailable), identifies lauric, myristic and palmitic acids—C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0—as raising plasma total and LDL cholesterol. It does not describe this C12:0–C16:0 group as “medium-chain,” so the cholesterol claim is supported but that classification is not. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Megasphera elsdenii YJ-4 can convert C18:2n-6 to trans-10,cis-12 C18:2 and trans-10 C18:1, whereas Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens produces cis-9,trans-11 C18:2 and trans-11 C18:1 as intermediates in the hydrogenation of C18:2n-6.

    “Megasphera elsdenii YJ-4 can convert C18:2n-6 to trans-10,cis-12 C18:2 and trans-10 C18:1, 106 whereas Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens produces cis-9,trans-11 C18:2 and trans-11 C18:1 as intermediates in the hydrogenation of C18:2n-6.107”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [106] 106. Williams CM, Dietary fatty acids and human health. Anim Res 49:165-180 (2000). 110 source

      Section 7 (page unavailable) says that ruminal bacterial action forms conjugated linoleic acid during partial hydrogenation and that cis-9,trans-11 C18:2 is the major isomer formed from dietary linoleic acid. It does not identify Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens or say that it produces trans-11 C18:1. The Megasphera clause carries a different citation and is not assessed against this source. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [107] 107. Johnson LM, Harrison JH, Davidson D, Swift M, Mahanna WC and Shinners K, Corn silage management. III. Effects of hybrid, matu- rity, and processing on nitrogen metabolism and ruminal fermen- tation. J Dairy Sci 85:2928-2947 (2002).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    DMI, milk yield and milk protein content increase with advancing maturity up to DM 300-350 g/kg, then decline slightly beyond 350 g/kg.

    “The DMI, milk yield and milk protein content increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for maize silages ensiled at DM contents of 300-350 g kg -1 , and then declined slightly at further maturity beyond 350 g kg -1 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingnone given

    Replacement of grass silage with maize silage and increasing maturity decrease concentration of cis-unsaturated FAs, C18:3n-3 and n-3/n-6 ratio in milk fat.

    “notably, the concentration of the cis-unsaturated FAs, C18:3n-3 and n-3/n-6 ratio decreased in milk fat.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Maize silages ensiled at DM < 250 g/kg result in lower DMI, milk yield and milk protein content.

    “and resulted in a lower DM intake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein content.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    On average, 42% of NDF is digested in the rumen and 7% post-ruminally, while 51% is excreted in faeces.

    “On average, 42% of the NDF is digested in the rumen and 7% post-ruminally, while 51% is excreted in the faeces.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Harvest maturity influences content of important nutrients, their digestibility and silage fermentation quality.

    “the harvest maturity not only influences the content of important nutrients but also their digestibility and silage fermentation quality.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Table 2 shows marked increase in starch content and marked decrease in NDF content when DM content increases from very wet to wet.

    “Table 2 shows a marked increase in starch content and a marked decrease in NDF content when the DM content of the maize silages increases from 'very wet' to 'wet' (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    There was large variation in milk yield -1.1 to 6.7 kg/d and milk protein content -0.5 to 3.5 g/kg milk.

    “Similarly, there was a large variation in the milk yield (-1.1 to 6.7 kg d -1 ) and milk protein content (-0.5 to 3.5 g kg -1 milk).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Although forage DMI always increased with inclusion of maize silages in grass silage-based diets, there was large variation in intake response, ranging from 0.1 to 4.5 kg/d.

    “Although the forage DMI always increased with the inclusion of maize silages in grass silage-based diets, there was a large variation in the intake response, ranging from 0.1 to 4.5 kg d -1 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Our data set showed a mean CP content of 74 g/kg DM, with a broad range of 57-124 g/kg.

    “Our data set showed a mean CP content of 74 g kg -1 DM, with a broad range of 57-124 g kg -1 (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Fat and lactose contents of milk did not change significantly with replacement of grass silage with maize silage, and the increase in yield of fat and lactose was due to the large increase in milk yield.

    “However, the fat and lactose contents of milk did not change significantly with the replacement of grass silage with maize silage, and the increase in yield of fat and lactose was due to the large increase in milk yield.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Content of C18:2n-6 16 g/kg DM showed the largest variation, followed by C18:1n-9 7 g/kg DM and C16:0 2.8 g/kg DM.

    “The content of C18:2n-6 (16 g kg -1 DM) showed the largest variation, followed by C18:1n-9 (7 g kg -1 DM) and C16:0 (2.8 g kg -1 DM).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    CP content and its digestibility decrease with maturity of maize silages.

    “The CP content and its digestibility decrease with maturity of the maize silages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Inclusion of maize silages in grass-based diets significantly increased the yield of milk protein, fat and lactose.

    “These comparisons further show that the inclusion of maize silages in grass-based diets significantly increased the yield of milk protein, fat and lactose.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Summarizing data from 13 published studies with 37 direct comparisons showed that inclusion of maize silage in grass silage-based diets improved forage DMI by 2 kg/d, milk yield by 1.9 kg/d and milk protein content by 1.2 g/kg.

    “Summarizing data from 13 published studies with 37 direct comparisons showed that the inclusion of maize silage in grass silage-based diets improved the forage DMI by 2 kg d -1 , the milk yield by 1.9 kg d -1 and the milk protein content by 1.2 g kg -1 (Table 5).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    C18:1 4.6 g/kg DM; 27% of total FA and C18:2 10.6 g/kg DM; 63% of total FA are the major FAs in maize silages.

    “C18:1 (4.6 g kg -1 DM; 27% of total FA) and C18:2 (10.6 g kg -1 DM; 63% of total FA) are the major FAs in maize silages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    DMI, and milk and protein yield increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for silages ensiled at DM 300-350 g/kg, and then declined slightly at further maturity beyond 350 g/kg.

    “The DMI, and milk and protein yield increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for silages, ensiled at a DM content of 300-350 g kg -1 , and then declined slightly at further maturity, beyond 350 g kg -1 (Table 6).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Data from these studies were further analysed and it was found that starch content of maize silage significantly increased R2 = 0.701, and NDF content decreased R2 = 0.522, with increasing maturity.

    “The data from these studies were further analysed and it was found that the starch content of maize silage significantly increased (R 2 = 0.701), and the NDF content decreased (R 2 = 0.522), with increasing maturity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Parallel to the increase in the starch/NDF ratio, milk and protein yield increased with maize silage harvest maturity, with a maximum yield recorded for DM content of 300-350 g/kg, with some flexibility.

    “Parallel to the increase in the starch/NDF ratio, the milk and protein yield increased with the maize silage harvest maturity, with a maximum yield being recorded for DM content of 300-350 g kg -1 , with some flexibility.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Maize silages are particularly rich in C18:2n-6 10.5 ± 2.01 vs. 3.3 ± 0.54 g/kg DM in grass silage, whereas grass silages show high content of C18:3n-3 11.2 ± 3.10 vs. 1.1 ± 0.39 g/kg DM in maize silage, which can explain decreases in n-6/n-3 ratio with replacement of grass by maize silages.

    “Moreover, maize silages are particularly rich in C18:2n-6 (10.5 ± 2.01 vs. 3.3 ± 0.54 g kg -1 DM in grass silage), whereas grass silages show a high content of C18:3n-3 (11.2 ± 3.10 vs. 1.1 ± 0.39 g kg -1 DM in maize silage), which can explain the decreases in n-6/n-3 ratio with the replacement of grass by maize silages.7”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] 7. Fitzgerald JJ and Murphy JJ, A comparison of low starch maize silage and grass silage and the effect of concentrate supplementation of the forages or inclusion of maize grain with the maize silage on milk production by dairy cows. Livest Prod Sci 57:95-111 (1999). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The concentration of cis-unsaturated FA in milk fat decreases with maize silage maturity and increasing proportion of maize silage in grass-based diets.

    “Maize silage maturity and an increasing proportion of maize silage in grass-based diets change the milk FA profile of dairy cows -notably, the concentration of cis-unsaturated FA, C18:3n-3 and n-3/n-6 FA ratio decreased in the milk fat.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    DMI and yields of milk and protein increase with advancing maturity, reach an optimum for maize ensiled at DM contents of 300-350 g kg-1, and decline slightly at maturities beyond 350 g kg-1.

    “The DMI and yields of milk and protein increase with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum for maize ensiled at DM contents of 300-350 g kg -1 , and declines slightly at maturities beyond 350 g kg -1 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The statistical methods used to adjust the data for random effect of experiment and unequal variance among experiments have been described by St-Pierre.

    “The statistical methods used to adjust the data for the random effect of experiment and unequal variance among experiments have been described by St-Pierre.26”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites St-Pierre

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Grass silage results in relatively lower DM and energy intake potential, reducing its usefulness in diets of high-producing dairy cattle.

    “grass silage results in a relatively lower DM and energy intake potential, which reduces its usefulness in the diets of high-producing dairy cattle.2,3,8”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [2] 2. Keady TWJ, Kilpatrick DJ, Mayne CS and Gordon FJ, Effects of replac- ing grass silage with maize silages, differing in maturity, on per- formance and potential concentrate sparing effect of dairy cows offered two feed value grass silages. Livest Sci 119:1-11 (2008). source
    • cites [3] 3. Kliem KE, Morgan R, Humphries DJ, Shingfield KJ and Givens DI, Effect of replacing grass silage with maize silage in the diet on bovine milk fatty acid composition. Animal 2:1850-1858 (2008). source
    • cites [8] 8. Hameleers A, The effects of the inclusion of either maize silage, fermented whole crop wheat or urea-treated whole crop wheat in a diet based on a high-quality grass silage on the performance of dairy cows. Grass Forage Sci 53:157-163 (1998). source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    13 studies with 37 direct comparisons were selected to estimate the effect of replacing grass silage with maize silage on DMI, milk yield and composition of dairy cows.

    “To estimate the effect of replacing grass silage with maize silage on DMI, milk yield and composition of dairy cows, 13 studies with 37 direct comparisons were selected.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    10 studies with 51 direct comparisons were selected to evaluate the effect of maize silage harvest maturity on milk yield and composition.

    “To evaluate the effect of maize silage harvest maturity on milk yield and composition, 10 studies with 51 direct comparisons were selected.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Despite variation in nutritive value, maize silage is rich in metabolizable energy and supports higher DMI and milk yield.

    “Despite variation in nutritive value, maize silage is rich in metabolizable energy and supports higher DMI and milk yield.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ali et al. reported an average ruminal NDF degradation of 32% and another 7% post-ruminal for 20 maize silages.

    “Their study reported an average ruminal NDF degradation of 32%, and another 7% was digested in the post-ruminal tract.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ali et al. 67

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Ali et al. reported that hindgut fermentation made up 9-35% of whole-tract NDF digestion.

    “The study further reported that hindgut fermentation made up 9-35% of the whole-tract NDF digestion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ali et al. 67

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Harvesting at DM 300-350 g/kg avoids excessive losses of stover DM due to senescence of leaves and ensures good fermentation during ensiling.

    “harvesting at this maturity avoids excessive losses of stover DM due to senescence of leaves and ensures good fermentation during ensiling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rate and extent of starch digestion in rumen affect rumen health (pH), and content and composition of milk fat.

    “the rate and extent of starch digestion in the rumen affect the rumen health (pH), and the content and composition of milk fat.6,39”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [6] 6. Phipps, RH, Weller RF and Rook AJ, Forage mixtures for dairy cows: the effect on dry matter intake and milk production of incorporating different proportions of maize silage into diets based on grass silage of differing energy value. J Agric Sci 118:379-382 (1992). source
    • cites [39] 39. Stevnebø A, Sahlström S and Svihus B, Starch structure and degree of starch hydrolysis of small and large starch granules from barley varieties with varying amylose content. Anim Feed Sci Technol 130:23-38 (2006). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Isolated waxy starch generally gave higher in vitro gas production than non-waxy starches, but differences were quantitatively small and different for different types of endosperm.

    “Isolated waxy starch generally gave a higher in vitro gas production than non-waxy starches.However, the differences in gas production were quantitatively small and were different for different types of endosperm.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [44] 44. Schroeder JW, Marx GD and Park CS, Waxy corn as a replacement for dent corn for lactating dairy cows. Anim Feed Sci Technol 72:111-120 (1998). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Kruse et al. found that varietal differences within maize cultivars were marginal, with only a few significant differences in early stages of development.

    “The study showed that varietal differences within the maize cultivars were marginal, with only a few significant differences observed in the early stages of development.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kruse et al. 58

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Philippeau et al. observed higher in situ ruminal starch degradability for waxy genotypes compared to amylomaize in only flint cultivars with vitreous endosperm, whereas in dent cultivars with floury endosperm, waxy cultivars showed no differences.

    “Philippeau et al. 45 observed a higher in situ ruminal starch degradability for waxy genotypes compared to amylomaize in only flint cultivars of maize with a vitreous endosperm, whereas in dent cultivars with a floury endosperm, waxy cultivars showed no differences in starch degradation with its isogenic normal control.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [45] 45. Akay V, Jackson JA Jr and Harmon DL, NutriDense and waxy corn hybrids: effects on site and extent of disappearance of nutrients in sheep. J Anim Sci 80:1335-1343 (2002). source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    The maturity of maize silages has been defined by variables such as kernel milk lines and number of frosts, which are not well-defined characteristics.

    “the maturity of maize silages has been defined by variables, such as kernel milk lines and number of frosts, which are not well-defined characteristics.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Tamminga reported that post-ruminal digestion made up 0-20% of whole-tract NDF digestion.

    “Tamminga 68 reported that post-ruminal digestion made up 0-20% of the whole-tract NDF digestion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tamminga 68

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Site of digestion of starch fraction influences nature of end products of digestion, rumen fermentation efficiency, composition of fermentation products, and losses of microbial matter when starch is digested in hindgut.

    “The site of digestion of the starch fraction influences the nature of the end products of digestion (volatile fatty acids vs. glucose), rumen fermentation efficiency, composition of fermentation products, and losses of microbial matter when starch is digested in the hindgut.38”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [38] 38. Kotarski SF, Waniska RD and Thurn KK, Starch hydrolysis by the ruminal microflora. J Nutr 122:178-190 (1992). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The increase in protein yield was caused by both the increase in protein content and milk yield.

    “The increase in protein yield was caused by both the increase in protein content and milk yield.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Weber et al. reported that deposition of FAs in grains occurs only during a brief period after flowering.

    “Weber et al. 84 reported that the deposition of FAs in the grains occurs only during a brief period after flowering.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Weber et al. 84

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Maximum FA content in the ear was reached at a whole-crop DM content of 295 g/kg, and then remained more or less constant.

    “The maximum FA content in the ear was reached at a whole-crop DM content of 295 g kg -1 , and then remained more or less constant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] 15. Huber JT, Polan CE and Hillman D, Urea in high corn silage rations for dairy cattle. J Anim Sci 27:220-226 (1968). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In contrast, content of C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and total FA increased in the ear.

    “In contrast, the content of C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and total FA increased in the ear.15”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] 15. Huber JT, Polan CE and Hillman D, Urea in high corn silage rations for dairy cattle. J Anim Sci 27:220-226 (1968). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Khan et al. found C18:3n-3 was the major FA of stover, whereas C18:1n-9 and C18:2n-6 were the major FAs of grains/cobs.

    “The study revealed that C18:3n-3 was the major FA of the stover part of maize plants, whereas C18:1n-9 and C18:2n-6 were the major FAs of the grains/cobs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Khan et al. 15

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Keady et al. stated that the feed value of grass silage, and not that of maize silage, had the greatest effect on overall forage intake.

    “Keady et al. 4 stated that the feed value of grass silage, and not that of maize silage, had the greatest effect on the overall forage intake.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keady et al. 4

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the whole crop, C18:3n-3 decreased linearly during maturation, while C18:2n-6 and total FA increased up to a whole crop DM content of 295 g/kg and then remained constant.

    “In the whole crop, the content of C18:3n-3 decreased linearly during maturation, while the content of C18:2n-6 and the total FA increased up to a whole crop DM content of 295 g kg -1 and then remained constant.15”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] 15. Huber JT, Polan CE and Hillman D, Urea in high corn silage rations for dairy cattle. J Anim Sci 27:220-226 (1968). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This variability could be related to the quality of both grass and maize silages, as well as to the inclusion level of maize silage in the diets.

    “This variability could be related to the quality of both the grass and maize silages, as well as to the inclusion level of maize silage in the diets.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ali et al. reported an average ruminal CP degradation of 555 g/kg and another 353 g/kg digested post-ruminally for 20 maize silages.

    “Their study reported an average ruminal CP degradation of 555 g kg -1 , and another 353 g kg -1 was digested in the post-ruminal tract.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ali et al. 67

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Milk yield and milk protein content decreased numerically when grass silage was completely replaced by maize silage.

    “However, the milk yield and milk protein content decreased numerically.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites O'Mara et al. 3

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Including maize silage with low-ME 9.8 or high-ME 12.0 grass silages had a mean response on DMI of +2.25 and +0.51 kg DM per cow, respectively.

    “For example, including maize silage with low-ME (9.8) or high-ME (12.0) grass silages had a mean response on the DMI of +2.25 and +0.51 kg DM per cow, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keady et al. 4

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Decreased retention time in the rumen results in less distension and a higher DMI.

    “The decreased retention time in the rumen results in less distension and a higher DMI.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Erdman suggested that DMI of high-moisture silages is more likely limited by fermentation end products, a lower pH and high NH3 levels.

    “Erdman 95 suggested that the DMI of high-moisture silages is more likely limited by the fermentation end products, a lower pH and high NH 3 levels.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Erdman 95

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    A lower efficiency could be related to the lower digestibility of maize silages.

    “A lower efficiency could be related to the lower digestibility of maize silages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lowest yields of milk and protein were associated with feeding of very low DM silages, predominantly due to a lower starch/NDF ratio, and a subsequent decrease in DMI.

    “The lowest yields of milk and protein were associated with the feeding of very low DM silages (Table 6), predominantly due to a lower starch/NDF ratio, and a subsequent decrease in DMI.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    Replacing grass silage with maize silage decreases the concentration of total n-3 PUFA and increases the concentration of n-6 PUFA in milk, leading to an elevated n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio.

    “Moreover, replacing grass silage with maize silage decreases the concentration of total n-3 PUFA and increases the concentration of n-6 PUFA in milk, leading to an elevated n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Phipps et al. found a significant positive relationship between silage starch content and DMI, and a significant negative relationship between NDF and DMI.

    “Phipps et al. 2 found a significant positive relationship between silage starch content and DMI, and a significant negative relationship between NDF and DMI.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Phipps et al. 2

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The increase in short- and medium-chain saturated FAs is related to the high starch and lower NDF content of maize silages, which leads to overall higher production of volatile FAs.

    “The increase in short-and medium-chain saturated FAs is related to the high starch and lower NDF content of maize silages, 7 which leads to the overall higher production of volatile FAs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] 7. Fitzgerald JJ and Murphy JJ, A comparison of low starch maize silage and grass silage and the effect of concentrate supplementation of the forages or inclusion of maize grain with the maize silage on milk production by dairy cows. Livest Prod Sci 57:95-111 (1999). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The decline in starch digestibility could be related to the lower efficiency of post-ruminal starch digestion in cows fed higher-starch diets, and to more whole kernel passage from very mature maize silages.

    “The decline in starch digestibility could be related to the lower efficiency of post-ruminal starch digestion in cows fed higher-starch diets, 97 and to a more whole kernel passage from the very mature maize silages.36”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [97] 97. Shingfield KJ, Reynolds CK, Lupoli B, Toivonen V, Yurawecz MP, Del- monte P et al., Effect of forage type and proportion of concentrate in the diet on milk fatty acid composition in cows given sunflower oil and fish oil. Anim Sci 80:225-238 (2005). 100 source
    • cites [36] 36. Jensen C, Weisbjerg MR, Nørgaard P and Hvelplund T, Effect of maize silage maturity on site of starch and NDF digestion in lactating dairy cows. Anim Feed Sci Technol 118:279-294 (2005). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    Replacing grass silages in a ration with maize silages increases the concentration of medium-chain saturated FAs C6:0 to C14:0 and C18:2n-6, and decreases the concentration of C16:0, C18:0 and C18:3n-3 in milk fat.

    “Replacing grass silages in a ration with maize silages increases the concentration of medium-chain saturated FAs (C6:0 to C14:0), 5,98 and C18:2n-6, and decreases the concentration of C16:0, C18:0 and C18:3n-3 in milk fat.5,39,98 -100”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [5] 5. Khan NA, Cone JW, Fievez V and Hendriks WH, Causes of variation in fatty acid content and composition in grass and maize silages. Anim Feed Sci Technol 174:3-45 (2012).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [98] 98. Nielsen TS, Straarup EM, Vestergaard M and Sejrsen K, Effect of silage type and concentrate level on conjugated linoleic acids, trans-C18:1 isomers and fat content in milk from dairy cows. Reprod Nutr Dev 46:699-712 (2006). 101 Ferlay A, Martin B, Pradel P, Coulon JB and Chilliard Y, Influence of grass-based diets on milk fatty acid composition and milk lipolytic system in Tarentaise and Montbéliarde cow breeds. J Dairy Sci 89:4026-4041 (2006). 102 source
    • cites [39] 39. Stevnebø A, Sahlström S and Svihus B, Starch structure and degree of starch hydrolysis of small and large starch granules from barley varieties with varying amylose content. Anim Feed Sci Technol 130:23-38 (2006). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Increasing the starch/NDF ratio in the diet decreases P < 0.05 the content of iso-C13:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 and total odd- and branched-chain FAs, and increased anteiso-C17:0 in milk fat.

    “Moreover, increasing the starch/NDF ratio in the diet decreases (P < 0.05) the content of iso-C13:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 and the total oddand branched-chain FAs, and increased the anteiso-C17:0 in milk fat.6”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] 6. Phipps, RH, Weller RF and Rook AJ, Forage mixtures for dairy cows: the effect on dry matter intake and milk production of incorporating different proportions of maize silage into diets based on grass silage of differing energy value. J Agric Sci 118:379-382 (1992). source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    High-grain diets promote the growth of bacterial strain Megasphera elsdenii YJ-4 and decrease the main cellulose-degrading bacterial strain Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens.

    “High-grain diets promote the growth of the bacterial strain Megasphera elsdenii YJ-4 91,104 and decrease the main cellulose-degrading bacterial strain Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens.105”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [91] 91. Givens DI and Rulquin H, Utilisation by ruminants of nitrogen com- pounds in silage-based diets. Anim Feed Sci Technol 114:1-18 (2004). source
    • cites [104] 104. Harfoot GC and Hazlewood GP, Lipid metabolism in the rumen, in The Rumen Microbial Ecosystem (2nd edn), ed. by Hobson PN and Stewart CS. Blackie Academic and Professional, London, pp. 382-426 (1997). 108 source
    • cites [105] 105. Vlaeminck B, Fievez V, Cabrita ARJ, Fonseca AJM and Dewhurst RJ, Factors affecting odd-and branched-chain fatty acids in milk: a review. Anim Feed Sci Technol 131:389-417 (2006). 109 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The shift in milk fat composition (decreased C18:3n-3 and increased n-6/n-3 ratio) is caused by a decrease in C18:3n-3 and an increase in C18:2n-6 during the maturation of maize.

    “This shift in milk fat composition is caused by a decrease in C18:3n-3 and an increase in C18:2n-6 during the maturation of maize.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Sterk et al. showed that an increase in starch content in the diet, by increasing the proportion of maize silage and concentrate, increased R2 = 0.50 the trans-10 C18:1 proportion in milk fat, which was strongly related to a decrease R2 = 0.81 in milk fat content.

    “Sterk et al. 39 showed that an increase in starch content in the diet, by increasing the proportion of maize silage and concentrate, increased (R 2 = 0.50) the trans-10 C18:1 proportion in milk fat, which was strongly related to a decrease (R 2 = 0.81) in milk fat content.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sterk et al. 39

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Maize silage maturity and an increasing proportion of maize silage in grass-based diets change the milk FA profile of dairy cows.

    “Maize silage maturity and an increasing proportion of maize silage in grass-based diets change the milk FA profile of dairy cows -notably, the concentration of cis-unsaturated FA, C18:3n-3 and n-3/n-6 FA ratio decreased in the milk fat.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This favourable change in milk fat composition with increasing inclusion levels of maize silage may be counterbalanced by the observed decrease in total cis-monounsaturated and n-3 PUFA in milk, which is against human dietary recommendations.

    “This favourable change in milk fat composition with increasing inclusion levels of maize silage in the ration of dairy cows may be counterbalanced by the observed decrease in the total cis-monounsaturated and n-3 PUFA in the milk, which is against human dietary recommendations.5”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] 5. Khan NA, Cone JW, Fievez V and Hendriks WH, Causes of variation in fatty acid content and composition in grass and maize silages. Anim Feed Sci Technol 174:3-45 (2012).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

77 of 77

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The NDF content of maize stover increases as maturity advances.

    “The NDF content of the stover increases as maturity advances.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Ear growth and accumulation of nutrients in kernels is very rapid during early grain-filling and the rate declines with progressing maturity.

    “Ear growth and accumulation of nutrients in the kernels is very rapid during the early grain-filling period and the rate declines with progressing maturity”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The studies included in the database are representative of maize silages and dairy cow diets.

    “The database was built from scientific publications obtained through systematic web searches, examination of bibliographic references and from the data collected as part of three PhD projects.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Lignification, maturation and thickness of cell walls can contribute to decreasing degradation of NDF with increasing maturity.

    “The lignification, maturation and thickness (hardiness) of cell walls can all contribute to the decreasing degradation of NDF with increasing maturity.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The physical effectiveness of fibre depends not only on fibre degradation rate but also on particle size.

    “The physical effectiveness of fibre depends not only on fibre degradation rate but also on particle size.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Longer particles are needed in the diet to stimulate chewing, salivation and rumination.

    “Longer particles are needed in the diet to stimulate chewing, salivation and rumination.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A longer particle size can decrease DMI due to rumen fill.

    “On the other hand, a longer particle size can decrease the DMI due to rumen fill.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Reduction of chop length may improve digestibility because of increased microbial attachment sites, but if cut too short it may decrease digestibility due to an increased rate of passage of the digesta.

    “Reduction of chop length may improve digestibility because of increased microbial attachment sites, but if cut too short it may decrease digestibility due to an increased rate of passage of the digesta.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A short length of cut may reduce chewing time and ruminal pH.

    “Moreover, a short length of cut (LOC) may also reduce chewing time and ruminal pH.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    High intake of maize silage is important for high-yielding dairy cows to achieve high milk production, particularly during early lactation.

    “The high intake of maize silage is important for high-yielding dairy cows to achieve a high milk production, particularly during early lactation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Selection for lower lignin content and higher NDF degradability, such as BMR cultivars, is negatively associated with lower agronomic value of the crop, such as lower yield and stalk lodging.

    “On the other hand, selection for a lower lignin content and higher NDF degradability, such as the BMR cultivars, is negatively associated with a lower agronomic value of the crop, such as lower yield and stalk lodging.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A lower lignin content of maize silage can reduce its physical effectiveness.

    “A lower lignin content of maize silage can also reduce its physical effectiveness.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Odd- and branched-chain FAs in milk are predominantly of bacterial origin.

    “The variation in odd-and branched-chain FAs in milk indicates a shift in the rumen microbial population, as these FAs are predominantly of bacterial origin.”
13 of 13

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Direction of the milk fatty-acid ratio change reverses

    Minor

    The text first says replacing grass silage with maize silage raises the milk n-6/n-3 ratio, but later says the same replacement decreases it.

  • Listed fatty acids exceed the reported total

    Minor

    The four listed fatty-acid means add to 19.26 g kg -1 DM, exceeding the reported total fatty-acid mean of 16.9 g kg -1 DM. All five rows show the same number of observations.

    Reported 16.9 · recomputed 19.26

  • Milk constituent yields have a thousand-fold unit error

    Minor

    Table 5 labels constituent yields as g d -1, but its fat-yield value is on a kg d -1 scale. The listed milk yield and fat concentration imply approximately 1036 g d -1, not 1.04 g d -1.

    Reported 1.04 · recomputed 1035.71

  • The wet-maturity category has two upper limits

    Minor

    The methods define wet silage as 250-300 g kg -1 DM, while the later category definition ends it at 290 g kg -1. The latter definition leaves 290-300 g kg -1 unclassified.

  • The protein relationship alternates between content and yield

    Minor

    The reported R 2 = 0.605 is assigned to milk protein content in the results, but to protein yield in the abstract. These are different outcome measures.

5 of 5

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Institute SAS, 2009, User's Guide: Statistics
  2. Harrison JH, 1996, Effect of harvest maturity of whole plant corn silage on milk production and component yield, and passage of corn grain and starch into feces, J Dairy Sci, 79, 149
  3. Moreira VR, 2000, Effect of corn silage containing high oil, waxy, multileaf, or bm3 corn genetics on feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition of dairy cows, J Dairy Sci, 78
  4. Cone JW, 2007, Effects of forage maize type and maturity stage on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, Neth J Agric Sci, 55, 139
  5. Kuehn CS, 1997, Effect of corn silage chop length on intake, milk production, and rumen function in lactating dairy cows, J Dairy Sci, 80, 219
  6. Erdman R, 1993, Silage Production from Seed to Animal, 210

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Khan, N. A., Yu, P., Ali, M., Cone, J. W., & Hendriks, W. H.
Affiliations
  • The University of Agriculture, Peshawar (PK)
  • University of Saskatchewan (CA)
  • Wageningen University & Research (NL)
  • Utrecht University (NL)
Corresponding author
Khan, Nazir A
ORCID
Venue
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2014-06-02
Volume
95
Issue
2
Pages
238-252
ISSN
  • 0022-5142 (ISSN-L)
  • 1097-0010
DOI
10.1002/jsfa.6703
OpenAlex
W1569074617
Semantic Scholar
12d05c999c723d5eecbe0c904fbb12b8fb95a454
Cited by
251
References
106
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 31 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 32 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 1
FWCI
2.08
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling (acceptedVersion)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Crop Yield and Soil Fertility
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Animal Nutrition and Physiology
Keywords
corn silage, dairy cow performance, milk quality, harvest maturity, milk fatty acid composition, milk protein, milk yield, dry matter intake, grass silage, forage inclusion level, n-6/n-3 ratio, total tract digestibility, metabolizable energy, dairy cattle nutrition
MeSH terms
Animals, Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena, Cattle, Zea mays, Diet, Fatty Acids, Female, Poaceae, Humans, Lactation, Milk, Milk Proteins, Nutritive Value, Silage

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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