In Vitro Nutritional Evaluation of Normal and Quality Protein Maize Fodders for Ruminants

The seeds of seven varieties of maize including 4 normal maize varieties (HTHM 5101, DHM 117, HM 5 and Shaktiman) and 3 quality protein maize (QPM) varieties (HQPM 5, HQPM 7 and HQPM 9) were harvested after 45–50 days of sowing at University Farm in the month of July. The environmental conditions and agronomic practices applied were similar for all the varieties grown. The representative samples of green fodder of normal and QPM varieties of maize were analyzed for chemical composition, in vitro rumen fermentation and digestibility using buffalo rumen liquor. The total gas production (ml/g DM) was higher (P<0.05) in HQPM 5 and HQPM 7 in comparison to other maize varieties. There was no significant difference in the pH of in vitro rumen fluid of normal and QPM varieties of maize. The NH₃-N concentration was higher (P<0.05) in DHM 117 and HQPM 5 in comparison to other varieties. The microbial protein synthesis and the partitioning factor were similar in all the varieties. The IVDMD and IVOMD (%) were higher (P<0.05) in HQPM 7 and HQPM 9 varieties. Digestibility coefficients were higher in all QPM varieties than normal varieties. The chemical composition of QPM varieties was similar to that of the normal maize varieties and the green fodders of QPM varieties (HQPM 5, HQPM 7 and HQPM 9) showed better in vitro digestibility than other normal maize varieties.