engleski

Relationship between the Physical Properties of Maize Kernel and Metabolizable Energy for Pigs

Recent research indicated that the physical properties of maize kernels may be used to evaluate its nutritional value. Th erefore, the main objective was to determine the relationships between kernel physical properties and metabolizable energy (ME) for pigs in commercial maize hybrids widely grown in Croatia. Field experiment was conducted in Baranja over two growing seasons with 11 maize hybrids (six domestic hybrids from Bc Institute and fi ve introduced Pioneer hybrids). Investigated hybrids belonged to various maturity groups (FAO 200-600). Growing season signifi cantly aff ected kernel thickness, kernel length, test weight and ME for pigs, despite similar average 1000-kernel weight in both years of fi eld research. Hybrids diff ered signifi cantly in kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness, test weight and 1000-kernel weight as well as in ME. Th e shortest-season hybrid Bc282 had the smallest 1000-kernel weight (on average 314 g), but the largest test weight (on average 79.8 kg/hl) and high ME (on average 16.70 MJ/kg). Th e smallest test weight and ME was found for hybrid PR36K67 (FAO 490) which had the highest kernel length (13.4 mm on average) and 1000-kernel weight (438g on average), and consequently, low kernel sphericity. Test weight weakly correlated with kernel thickness and kernel sphericity, while it positively correlated with ME. Th e highest ME had hybrids Bc 572, Bc 462 and PR34B23, while fi ve hybrids had slightly lower values. Of all kernel physical properties, the test weight appears to be most reliable indicator for assessing ME for pigs in the kernels of commercial maize hybrids.

maize ; hybrid metabolizable energy ; test weight ; 1000 kernel weight ; kernel size

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