Different starch components were added to rations with maize silage measuring the influence of the supplements on the digestibility and energy content of maize silage in cattle (n = 36) and sheep (n = 36). The starch‐rich components maize, wheat, barley, oat, cassava meal and potatoe starch were added to the total rations on average of 33%. All supplements were ground (sieve of 2.5 mm), additionally, wheat was added in extruded or crushed form. All rations including the control ration without starch components were supplemented with soybean meal to an average crude protein content of 12.4% DM. The mean starch content of the total rations was 42% DM.