Nutritional analysis of two corn hybrids (Zea mays L.) for forage production

Abstract

Objective: Characterize and compare the yield and the bromatological composition, such as green matter, crude protein and other nutritional indicators, of two corn hybrids (Zea mays L.) developed under fertigation conditions at three plant population densities.

Design/methodology/approach: A factorial experimental design was used, with two factors (hybrids) and three levels (densities).

Results: The CEBU hybrid recorded the highest green and dry matter yield. In bromatological analyses, this hybrid showed the highest crude protein (PC) and total ash values, and the A7573 hybrid had the highest total carbohydrates content.

Limitations on study/implications: During the development of the research, the low temperatures affected the plant and the development cycle of the corn crop.

Findings/conclusions: The corn hybrids evaluated showed significant differences in both agronomic characteristics and nutritional value. The CEBU hybrid was more efficient to produce forage and biomass at all planting densities evaluated (50,000, 62,500, and 83,333 plants ha^-1). In the bromatological analysis, the CEBU hybrid showed higher crude protein and ash contents compared to the A7573 hybrid. However, the A7573 hybrid showed higher total carbohydrate values than the CEBU hybrid.