Quality response of maize fodder cultivars to harvest time

摘要

The study was conducted to investigate the fodder quality of four maize cultivars; DK919, 30R50, 31R88 and 6621 as influenced by harvest time at Agronomic Research Area of University of Sargodha. Maize cultivars were harvested at three different times viz. 80, 90 and 100 days after sowing (DAS). Significant differences were recorded among the cultivars for plant height, acid and neutral detergent fiber contents, lignin and crude protein. Maximum acid detergent fiber content, neutral detergent fiber content and lignin were observed at 100 DAS while crude protein was maximum at 80 DAS. However, plant height was remained unaffected with respect to harvest times. Moreover, maize cultivars had distinct differences in plant height and fodder quality parameters. Maximum plant height and crude protein were recorded in cultivar 31R88. The cultivar DK919 showed maximum values of acid detergent fiber content and neutral detergent fiber while lignin content was higher in V6621. Fodder quality parameters of cultivars 31R88, DK919 and V6621 were superior than 31R88 under the present climatic conditions of Sargodha.