Influence of chemical treatments on the nutritional attributes of maize (Zea mays L.) stover

The effect of different chemical treatments for improving quality and digestibility of stover from 25 maize genotypes was investigated. Treatment with urea, aqueous ammonia and dilute acid resulted improvement in CP content of maize stover. Chemical treatments resulted alterations in fibre and ADL components of maize stover. Decrease in NDF [14.76% (PMG-18)] and ADF [8.82% (PMG-93-1)] contents of stover was observed with urea treatment. Reduction in lignin content of stover was observed with alkali and sodium chloride treatments. Total carbohydrates content increased with alkali treatments. Acid hydrolysis resulted reduction in silica content of stover to the extent of 58.84%. Significant reduction in total phenolic and total tannin contents was observed in stover from genotypes PMZ-4 and PMG-14 with alkali and ammonia treatments. Digestibility of stover improved with chemical treatments and the treatment with urea was most effective treatment among other treatments. The results of the study indicated that urea, aqueous ammonia and alkali treatments could be effective for improving quality and digestibility of maize stover.