Chemical composition and ruminal degradability of grain pearl millet grown in southwestern Quebec

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition and ruminal nutrient degradabilities of grain of five hybrids of pearl millet grown in southwestern Quebec. Hybrids were selected because they were poor hosts of the widely prevalent root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans). Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin were similar for all hybrids. However, acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher for CGPMH-1 than CGPMH-7 and CGPMH-38 and was higher for CGPMH-11 and CGPMH-20 than CGPMH-7. Starch content was higher for CGPMH-7 (668 g kg-1 DM) than the other hybrids (average 635 g kg-1 DM). Crude protein (CP) was lower for CGPMH-7 (141 g kg-1 DM) than the other hybrids (average 181 g kg-1 DM). Fatty acid content was higher for CGPMH -11 and CGPMH-20 than CGPMH-38. Linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all hybrids and was lower for CGPMH-38 than the other hybrids. Ruminal dry matter degradability was similar for all hybrids (average 69.5%). However, ruminal CP and starch degradabilities were higher for CGPMH-1 and CGPMH-20 than CGPMH-11 and CGPMH-38. It was concluded that grain concentrations of CP, ADF, and starch, and ruminal CP and starch degradabilities of pearl millet varied among hybrid. Key words: Chemical composition, Pearl millet, Ruminal degradability