Nutritional evaluation of maize fodder at two different vegetative stages

Azim, A.; Naseer, Z.; Ali, A.

doi:1989.2.1.27

Article

Ruminant Nutrition and Forage Utilization

Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 1989;2(1): 27-34.
https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.1989.27 Published online March 1, 1989.

Nutritional evaluation of maize fodder at two different vegetative stages

A. Azim, Z. Naseer, A. Ali

Abstract

Different fractions of maize plant and whole mixed fodder were analysed for their chemical composition and dry matter digestibility (DMD). Highest crude protein (CP) values were found in leaves as compared to the other portions. Younger plants contained more CP as compared to the matured ones. The crude fiber (CF) content of various fractions of the plant ranged between 19.12 to 35.60% with maximum values in the bottom portion of the stem. Matured plants contained more CF. The analysis of cell wall constituents indicated that the maximum values for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were found in the bottom portion and in the whole mixed plant. The highest levels of acid detergent fiber (ADF) were observed in bottom fraction followed by whole mixed plant, whereas the other plant fractions did not show any differences. Variation in acid detergent lignin (ADL) values existed in different fractions of the plant and the lowest were in the top portion of the stem. Although there existed a variation in the mineral composition of different fractions of the plants, the results were non significant. Maximum DMD was found in leaves followed by the whole mixed plant, middle and bottom portion of the stem. The values of DMD were higher in younger plants as compared to the matured ones. It may be concluded that younger plants and the upper portion of the plants have a higher nutritive value as compared to the matured plants and lower portion of the plants.

Keywords: Maize Fodder; Vegetative Stages