Comparative analysis of nutritional attributes of maize fodder and silage: plant breeding implications

Heena Sharma; Surinder Sandhu; Jaspal Singh  Lamba; Bhavyshree RK

doi:10.59515/rma.2025.v46.i2.22

Authors

Heena Sharma Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India
Surinder Sandhu Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India
Jaspal Singh Lamba Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana-141004, India
Bhavyshree RK Punjab Agricultural University-Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur-143521, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59515/rma.2025.v46.i2.22

Keywords:

Digestibility parameters, Fermentation process, Hybrid evaluation, Maize silage, Nutritional quality, Ruminant nutrition

Abstract

Present study evaluated the nutritive value of whole-fodder maize silage (WCMS) and fodder from 18 maize hybrids, comparing before (fresh fodder) and after ensiling. The nutrient composition was analyzed, focusing on crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ash content, cell wall components (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose), in vitro dry-matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolizable energy (ME). Results showed a significant increase in IVDMD (11.13%), OMD (6.83%), and IVNDFD (8.66%) post-ensiling, while CP content remained constant (0.15% increase) with a minor DM loss (2.13%). Among the hybrids, JQPM5 exhibited the highest IVDMD (72%), followed by JH20209, JQPM2 and JQPM2 (69.87%). Additionally, significant genetic variability was observed in ADF, EE, and ADL, indicating the potential for selective breeding to improve silage quality. Overall ensiling enhanced the digestibility and energy profile of maize fodder, and the observed genotypic variability highlights the potential for genetic improvement of silage quality through targeted breeding.