Comparison of selected maize hybrids for feed production

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) as well as to determine correlations between some important quality parameters of the maize hybrids developed for silage preparation in order to evaluate their suitability for feed production. The IVDMD coefficients of the whole plant ranged from 0.5667 to 0.6734 with the neutral detergent fibers digestibility (NDFD) varying from 166 to 322 g/kg. Regarding IVDMD, the hybrids ZP 427, ZP 648 and ZP 666 were superior to other investigated hybrids. Very significant positive correlation was found between IVDMD of the whole maize plant and NDFD (r=0.79); very significant negative correlation was determined between L/NDF of the whole maize plant and NDFD and IVDMD (r=-0.73, r=-0.91). Obtained results are of an exceptional importance for the breeding programs and selection of potentially most suitable hybrids for silage production.

Keywords

• maize hybrids
• biomass
• lignocellulose fibers
• in vitro dry matter digestibility (ivdmd)
• animal feed