A review of maize forage systems for enhancing livestock feed sustainability in Sri Lanka

The livestock sector in Sri Lanka faces critical feed shortages due to seasonal forage variability, low nutritive value of native grasses, and increasing climate stress. Maize (Zea mays L.), a high-yielding and nutrient-rich C4 cereal crop, has emerged as a strategic forage option, particularly in the form of silage, to address these challenges. This review synthesizes current knowledge on maize cultivation, nutritional value, and silage applications within the Sri Lankan context. It discusses varietal performance, agronomic traits, silage quality determinants, seasonal and climate influences, and gaps in silage-specific hybrid development and feed integration. Finally, the review proposes research directions for developing climate-resilient, sustainable forage systems to support livestock productivity in Sri Lanka.