Milk Index

The forage quality of grasses is determined by different factors, which as a whole influence palatability, digestibility and nutritive value of fresh grass or silage. High forage quality has influence on Silage making. Cell wall digestibility (DNDF) and sugar content also play a major role in silage making. The ensiling process is based on exclusion of air (anaerobic environment) and acidification. Lactic acid bacteria convert sugar to lactic acid. The cell wall structure strongly determines the availability of sugar for lactic acid bacteria. When the cell wall is highly digestible, the cell wall is easily degraded and sugar in the cell contents can be easily reached by lactic acid bacteria. A high sugar content stimulates an ideal lactic acid fermentation, resulting in a rapid pH reduction and consequently a high storage stability.

DSV analyses the quality parameters mentioned in the table for both new applicants and registered varieties. The aim of the comprehensive analyses is to develop varieties with improved performance compared to existing varieties regarding the multitude of quality parameters.