Biochemical Composition of Stover from Different Maize Genotypes

Abstract

Maize stover is one of the most abundant crop residues in India and is often the sole forage fed to livestock during the unavailability of green fodder. In the present study, the stover from 24 maize genotypes was investigated for biochemical composition and digestibility. The results of analysis revealed variation in biochemical profile and digestibility of stover from different maize genotypes. The crude protein, total carbohydrates, reducing sugars and ash content in maize stover varied from 7.0% to 9.80%, 9.09% to 18.02%, 1.95% to 8.91% and 3.10% to 6.30%, respectively. The NDF, ADF, and silica contents of maize stover were in the range from 67.20% to 74.80%, 40.50% to 49.00% and 1.34% to 3.40%, respectively. The hemicellulose content in maize stover ranged from 19.70% to 31.0%, whereas cellulose content varied from 35.20% to 43.80%. The polyphenolic compounds viz., total phenols, simple phenols, and total tannins exhibited the range of variation from 9.12% to 12.58%, 4.41% to 8.23%, and 2.48% to 7.06%, respectively. The ADL content, known for indigestibility of maize stover, ranged from 3.70% to 7.20%. The dry matter digestibility of stover from the genotype Palam Shankar Makka was high (59.40%) followed by PMG-41 (59.20%) and PMG-40 (58.60%). The study unveils the nutritional superiority of stover from the genotype Palam Shankar Makka followed by PMG-36, SIRI-5455 and PMG-93-2 over other genotypes under study.