Yield and nutritional value of forage and silage of native corns in subtropical conditions

Abstract

The yield and nutritional value of forage and silage of native corns with forage potential in subtropical conditions were evaluated. The variables evaluated were yield (t ha^-1) of total dry matter (TDM) and by component: leaf blade (LB), stem, bracts, green corn cob, panicle and sheath, SPAD units, leaf area index (LAI) and specific leaf area (SLA, cm2 g^-1). In forage and silage, the contents (%) of crude protein (CP), ashes (AS), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated. The variables were analyzed with a randomized complete block design with three repetitions and the Tukey mean comparison test was applied (α= 0.05). The Tuxpeño Norteño × Ratón genotype had the highest values (p< 0.05) of TDM, LB and stem (10.66, 1.89 and 3.97 t ha^-1, respectively), NDF (57.4%) and ADF (26.6%). While the V-402 genotype had the highest yield of green corn cobs (4.2 t ha^-1). The CP content in silage was higher (p< 0.05) than in forage (8.2 and 7.8%, respectively). The Ratón × Tuxpeño genotype had the highest CP content in forage (8.6%), in contrast, Tuxpeño Norteño × Elotes Occidentales showed the highest CP content (8.7%) in silage. The Tuxpeño Norteño × Ratón genotype could be an alternative as forage due to the higher yield of total dry matter and nutritional value, desirable characteristics in forage corns.