Model prediction of ruminal dry matter digestibility of serbian maize genotypes

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the physical quality traits, the carbohydrates and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of various maize kernel genotypes produced in Serbia. Furthermore, the aim was to determine the relationship among these quality traits, as well as, their effects on the IVDMD. Ten maize genotypes with different endosperm type and kernel color have been studied (2018 growing season). All kernel traits significantly varied among selected maize genotypes. IVDMD ranged from 83.1-91.2%. In vitro regression model of IVDMD in ruminants was obtained. The physical quality traits such as test weight (TWt), 1000-kernel weight (KWt), density (Den) and hard endosperm portion (HE) had significant role in predicting the digestibility of maize kernel. The IVDMD was mostly affected by test weight and density in the FOP model (p<0.01 level). The determined in vitro digestibility model can serve for screening various maize kernel genotypes due to estimate their utility value for feed industry.