Influence of Corn Hybrid on Kernel Traits

Sixty commercially available corn hybrids were used to identify kernel traits that may be used as an indicator of feeding value to cattle. Three separate tests were conducted and 12 traits were evaluated for each hybrid. Most production traits were negatively correlated or not correlated to physical traits making them less indicative of cattle performance compared to some lab techniques. Based on the dry matter disappearance in the rumen, a harder kernel will be more efficiently digested. An approximately 10% change in dry matter disappearance is shown between the most and least digestible hybrid. Physical kernel traits can be helpful in determining corn hybrids used for feeding cattle