Effect of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Site and Extent of Nutrient Digestibility Using the Mobile Bag Technique

The influence of corn hybrid and processing method onsite and extent of DM, starch, and protein digestibility was determined using the mobile bag technique. Samples consisted of three hybrids with known digestibility and feeding value processed as either dryrolled corn (DRC) or high-moisture corn (HMC). Ruminal and total tract nutrient digestibilities were greater for HMC compared to DRC. Differences among hybrids existed for all variables measured except ruminal starch digestibility and degradable intake protein. Undegradable intake protein (UIP) digestibility was greater for HMC compared to DRC (77.8 and 73.7%, respectively). However, UIP was lower for HMC than DRC. Differences among processing methods and hybrids exist for site and extent of nutrient digestibility