Potential of sweet and baby corn stover as dry season feeds for draught ruminants
1989
Khin, Nge Nge
Nutritional analysis was first conducted to find out the nutritive values of corn stalks from crops grown at different population densities. Three different populations were used 27,000, 53,000 and 80,000 plants/ha. Then the stalks were cured and stored with 3 different methods standing in the field (Control), cut and stacked on the ground (Wigwam) and cut and hung above the ground (Hanging-pole) in order to find out the most practical and effective way(s) to conserve them. The cured stovers were again subjected to chemical analysis to see which method can best preserve the nutrients most effectively. An economic study was carried out in order to determine the economics of the curing methods. Population density may give higher product yield but it takes its toll on the nutritive value of the plants. The crude protein and soluble carbohydrate contents in sweet corn and the crude protein content in baby corn decreased with the increasing population. Drying methods produced the same quality products. The stalks left standing in the field to dry was the best, for it required the least management and cost. After drying and storing for 4 months in the field, the stovers were chopped and given to a buffalo and a preliminary observation of the acceptability of stover feed was carried out. Animal accepted the feed and preferred it in dry form, however, the voluntary feed intake was low. Corn stalks were higher in crude protein and nitrogen-free extract when compared with rice straw. Thus, if the intake level could be improved by some simple methods such as supplementation with locally available legumes, the stovers could be effectively used as an animal feed during the dry season when lack of feed is accute
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