Nutritional Characteristics of Corn Silage Produced in Campania Region Estimated by Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)

In formulating balanced rations for ruminants, knowing the chemical composition of forage and feeds in general is crucial to create adequate nutritional plans that meet animals’ feed requirements. From July December 2020, a total 175 samples corn silage hybrid PR31Y43 grown (135 days maturity class) three sites (Piana del Sele, Vallo di Diano Caserta) Campania region (South Italy) were collected analysed by using portable Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The area cultivation/storage highly (p < 0.05) affected characteristics samples. silages produced showed significantly highest DM content compared those from other (349.3 vs. 323.4 328.1 g/kg as Caserta Piana respectively). structural carbohydrates higher Sele than both (420.1 396.7 397.6 feed), whereas non-fibrous 0.05; 469.6 471.8 feed); intermediate values registered (446.6 feed). No differences detected protein levels. NIRS technology could be useful obtain fast accurate picture quality. knowledge can improve formulation rations, contributing guarantee animal welfare good productive performances.