The voluntary intake and the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude energy and the nitrogen balance, of silages of five maize genotypes (HT01, HT47C, HT129, AG5011 and BR3123) were quantified. Fifteen sheep were stored in metabolic cages for total collection of feces and urine. A complete randomized design, with five treatments and six repetitions was used. The intake and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude energy did not differ (P>0.05) among treatments. The intake of digestible dry matter, crude protein, crude energy and metabolic energy did not differ (P>0.05) among the genotypes. The ratios of digestible energy intake/dry matter intake and metabolic energy intake/dry matter intake of the genotype AG5011 silage was similar (P>0.05) to HT01, and higher than the other genotypes (P<0.05). All genotypes showed similar and positive nitrogen balance, and all of them produced silages of good nutritional value. Nevertheless, silage of AG5011 genotype showed higher efficiency of energy (P<0.05) utilization.
consumption; digestibility; silage; maize; sheep
