Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Ruminal and Intestinal Digestion

Authors

Flint W. Harrelson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Nathan F. Meyer, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Wayne A. Fithian, Golden Harvest Seeds Co., Waterloo, Nebraska

Date of this Version

January 2008

Comments

Published in 2008 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Using the mobile bag technique, five commercially available corn hybrids harvested as either dry-rolled or high-moisture corn were evaluated for site and extent of DM and starch digestion. Total-tract DM digestibility was improved 7 to 16 percentage units, and total-tract starch digestibility was improved 9 to 18 percentage units among hybrids when processed as high-moisture corn compared to dry-rolled corn. The results of this trial suggest that hybrid and processing method interact and can influence DM and starch digestibility.