U. VISWANATHA, T. THIRUMALESH, M. M. VENKATESHA*, V. NAGABHUSHANA, K. C. VEERANNA AND A. M. KOTRESH
Department of Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College, Shivamogga, (Karnataka), India
*(e-mail: venka5033@gmail.com)
(Received : 14 May 2024; Accepted : 26 June 2024)
SUMMARY
The study was conducted to determine nutritional evaluation of maize top silage and maize top hay and maize grains. The maize plant growth which can be classified as vegetative growth and reproductive growth, the reproductive growth is divided into different stages; silk stage (R-1), blister stage (R-2), dough stage (R-3), dent stage (R-4) and physiological maturity stage (R-6). From this experiment it was concluded that, Among R-1 to R-3 stages of maize plant growth, CP was significantly higher at R-3 stage in maize tops whereas in cobs, CP was significantly higher in R-2 and R-3 stages. Fiber fractions increased in the maize tops as the maturity increased and vice-versa in grains. The dry matter yield from the maize tops was higher in R-4 stage onwards. The proximate principles and fiber fractions of MTS and MTH were comparable on dry matter basis. Nutritionally, MTS and MTH were more beneficial to support milk production when compared to any other cereal straw/stovers. Therefore, the benefit of highly nutritious part of the maize plant like tops can be harvested at physiological stage of maturity (R6-96th day of plant growth) without allowing for higher lignification till the harvest of the cob. So that it can fill gap of 8% to the existing green fodder deficit in India.
Key words: Maize top hay, Maize top silage, Green fodder yield, Dry fodder yield