Evaluation nutritive value of whole plant corn hybrids

In this study، 25 hybrids of corn in the forage experimental field of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII) were assessed for qualitative nutritional value that may be targeted in breeding programs of SPII. The whole corn hybrid plants were chopped and then random samples of the forage hybrids were prepared. For approximate analysis، AOAC (1990) methods were used، and for metabolisable energy (ME) assessment، laboratory gas production technique was performed. Experimental design was laid out as a randomized complete design with 3 replications. 22 maize hybrids and 3 control hybrids (KSC700، KSC704 and KSC720) were evaluated for their metabolizable energy which per unit of dry matter were different and significant (P<0. 05) among hybrids. The average gas production of experimental hybrids in 24 hours and short-chain fatty acids were different and significant (P<0. 05). The final result showed hybrid no. 16 had the highest ME content (P<0. 05). So corn hybrid «K47/2-2-1-21-2-1-1-1×K3545/6» is recommended for development and Planting.