Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Ruminal and Intestinal Digestion

Using the mobile bag technique, five commercially available corn hybrids harvested as either dry-rolled or high-moisture corn were evaluated for site and extent of DM and starch digestion. Total-tract DM digestibility was improved 7 to 16 percentage units, and total-tract starch digestibility was improved 9 to 18 percentage units among hybrids when processed as high-moisture corn compared to dry-rolled corn. The results of this trial suggest that hybrid and processing method interact and can influence DM and starch digestibility

Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Five commercially available corn hybrids were evaluated for finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics when fed as high-moisture (HMC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC). No significant interactions were observed between hybrid and processing method. Corn hybrid had no significant impact on ADG or DMI, but did have a minor influence on F:G. However, these data suggested that processing as HMC-method had a greater effect on cattle performance than hybrid

Influence of Corn Hybrid, Kernel Traits, and Growing Location on Digestibility

One hundred thirty-two commercially available corn hybrids, grown in 2 field replications within three locations, were evaluated for effects of corn hybrid, kernel traits and growing location on digestibility. A significant hybrid by location interaction was observed for most kernel traits. There is potential to select hybrids for DM digestibility, but digestibility shows no consistent relationship with other kernel traits

The Influence of Corn Kernel Traits on Feedlot Cattle Performance

Seven commercially available corn hybrids representing a range within and among kernel traits were used in a finishing trial to evaluate effects of corn kernel traits on feedlot animal performance. Average daily gain, DMI, and hot carcass weight were similar among all corn hybrids. A significant difference in feed conversion of 8.4% from lowest to highest among hybrids was observed. Kernel traits correlated with feed conversion were 1,000 grain weight, stenvert time to grind, and stenvert proportion of soft to coarse particles. Efficiency of finishing cattle gain can be significantly improved by selection of corn hybrids with more desirable kernel traits

Influence of Corn Hybrid, Kernel Traits, and Dry Rolling or Steam Flaking on Digestibility

Seventy-two commercially available corn hybrids were used to quantify the existing range in kernel characteristics shown to correlate with improved feeding value to cattle. Twelve hybrids were steam flaked at two different bulk densities. Hybrids were tested for kernel size, hardness, in situ digestibility, and starch use. For dry rolled corn, a 27% difference in dry matter disappearance was found across hybrids. For flaking, a 6% to 29% improvement over dry rolled corn was observed. An 8% to 36% advantage for flaking in starch digestibility was also found. The results of this trial suggest there can be an interaction between hybrid value and whether fed as dry-rolled or steam-flaked corn