Genetic Variability in the Nutritional Quality of Coix (Coix lacryma Jobi) Germplasm

Twenty three genotypes of Coix (Coix lacryma Jobi) grass, collected at 50% flowering were evaluated for chemical composition, in sticco nutrients digestibility and availability index values. Genotypes differed significantly (P<0.05) with regard to CP (7.5–14.42%) and NDF (56.57–70.91%) components. The average OM, NDF and ADF contents were 87.05, 64.84 and 36.82 per cent, respectively. Most of the genotypes had cellulose contents between 25–30%. Genotypes exhibited up to 10.20 and 4.80 units variation in the cellulose and ADL concentrations, respectively. In sacco digestibility of DM, OM and other nutrients varied significantly (P<0.05) amongst the genotypes. There was wide variation (P<0.05) in the CP degradability (62.90–84.31%) of the coix germplasm. Average in sacco NDF and A'DF digestibility of germplasm was 47.02 and 44.08%, respectively. Within the germplasm, coix-48 and 56 showed higher (P<0.05) NDF, ADF and hemicellulose digestibility. Availability index values varied by 16.08 units amongst the genotypes. Coix-36, 48, 56 and 59 genotypes were rich in protein, low in filler and better in nutrients digestibility.