<b>Nutritional value of corn plants (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) without ears</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v27i4.1145

Abstract

Chemical-bromatologic composition and in vitro digestibility of five corn genotypes (F2, Lu16, F271, Lu5 and Lu6) were evaluated in Druelle-France, an area of in 150 m2 with two repetitions. All evaluations used whole corn plants without ears. A randomized experimental design was used. The Lu16 genotype showed higher values for in vitro dry matter digestibility (69.82%) and cell wall digestibility (48.05%). Lu6 genotype showed the lowest value for in vitro dry matter digestibility (50.38%). Dry matter and cell wall digestibility were estimated by an indirect method and they were negatively affected by lignin contents, p-coumaric acid and total ferulic acid, serving as strong or weak links between lignin and hemicelluloses. Using multiple regression analysis, results showed that acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin explained 98% of in vitro dry matter digestibility results and 96% of cell wall digestibility estimated for equation. Esterified p-coumeric acid and acid detergent lignin explained 99% of cell wall digestibility results