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This study was carried out in Konya province Karapınar county Resadiye district Güllükuyu plateau farm lands in order to determine the vegetative characteristics of some silage maize varieties (Zea mays L.) in 2020. The experiment was laid out in the randomized blocks design with 5 replications. In this research 4 different silage maize varieties (31Y43, 31G68, 6777 ve 7240) were used as experimental materials. When research results were evaluated statistically, it was determined that the difference between cultivars was significant or very important in terms of first ear height, total leaf weight, stover yield, crude protein, ADF rate and ash. As a result of the research, plant height 3.71m-3.92m, first cob height 171.2-197.4 cm, total leaf weight 176.2-236.4 g plant-1, total cob weight 334.8-394.6 g plant-1, leaf weight 176.2-236.4 g plant-1, total stem weight 670.4-798.4 g plant-1, total cob weight 334.8-394.6 g plant-1, total fresh weight 1181.4-1385.0 g plant-1, stover yield 8.062-9.854 kg da-1, moisture 26.2-27.3%, starch content 22.0-26.2%, protein 5.6-7.3%, ADF 28.0-32.0%, NDF 47.9-54.6%, KMT 2.5-2.45%, PLA 3.7-4.4%, and crude fat rate 3.1-3.6%. It can be said that 31Y43 variety is considered more promising than the other varieties for plant height, total leaf weight, total stem weight, total fresh weight and stover yield, ADF and NDF averages.

Context Grain-based diets result in lower starch utilisation compared with traditional diets with corn silage. The best use of yellow dent corn starch, in addition to increasing animal performance, can be obtained by the inclusion of an effective fibre source in grain-based diets and/or the use of more efficient genetic groups in a tropical feedlot. Aims We assessed productive responses of young Nellore (N) bulls and 1/2 Angus × 1/2 Nellore (AN) bulls fed whole shelled corn diets, with or without sugarcane bagasse (SB). Methods A completely randomised design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two genetic groups and two diets) was used. Twenty-eight young bulls (14 N and 14 AN) were fed diets containing 0 or 31.6 g of SB/kg DM in a feedlot. Key results The average daily gain and gain:feed ratio were not affected by the diets, but AN bulls showed greater average daily gain and gain:feed ratio than N bulls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). The genetic groups did not affect nutrient intake, but N bulls had greater (P = 0.016) DM digestibility than AN bulls. The consumption of DM, crude protein and digestible energy was not affected by the diets. The digestibility of neutral detergent fibre, crude protein and NFC was lower (P = 0.001) for the diet with SB. The neutral detergent fibre intake was greater (P = 0.001) in the diet with SB. The DM intake variation was smaller (P < 0.05) in diets with SB and for N bulls. Conclusions The inclusion of SB up to 31.6 g/kg DM in whole shelled corn diets did not affect the productive responses of young bulls. Crossbred bulls, despite expressing lower digestibility of some nutrients and larger DM intake variation, have greater productive potential compared with Nellore bulls in a tropical feedlot with whole shelled corn diets. Implications The use of crossbred young AN bulls in tropical feedlots is a viable alternative for increasing productivity and global meat production.

Theresistance mechanisms exhibited by the five selected maize varieties against Ostrinia furnacalis [Gueene] or the Asian corn borer (ACB) were identified and evaluated in the study in terms of the insects’ percent mortality and development. The detached leaf-feeding assay was used in the experiment and laid out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and replicated three times. Findings among the five selected maize varieties tested against ACB, Bt corn had exhibited a high degree of antibiosis mechanism. This was expected because of the Bt toxin from the maize variety conferring toxicity to Lepidopterous insect pests like ACB. A similar result with Variety 4 (Yellow Dent corn) was observed which shows a high degree of antibiosis mechanism that is innate within the maize leaves of the variety. Variety 1 (UPLB Lagkitan), Variety 2 (Yellow corn), and Variety 3 (White corn) show high susceptibility to ACB. Tolerance of the corn varieties to ACB needs to be further investigated because it is unknown to date whether the varieties possess or lack plant tolerance characteristics. Leaf whorl feeding assays used in the study only measure the antibiosis and antixenosis mechanisms in maize. Furthermore, a test to measure tolerance mechanisms is suggested among the maize varieties.

Yellow dent, high amylose and waxy corn were evaluated using lab-scale conventional, enzymatic (E-milling) and intermittent milling and dynamic steeping (IMDS) processes. The application of proteolytic enzyme (E-milling) and sulfur dioxide (Conventional milling and IMDS process) during kernel hydration and their effects on overall starch yields from three corn types were studied. Despite using lower amount of SO2 (600 ppm) and shorter steeping duration (66.8%), E-milling yielded the highest amount of starch for yellow dent, high amylose and waxy corn (71.4%, 60.1% and 66.9% (db), respectively). The use of proteolytic enzyme during steeping resulted in 26.1% points higher starch yield for high amylose corn. In conventional wet milling process, the highest starch yields were obtained from yellow dent corn and the lowest from high amylose corn, the values being 70.1% and 46.2% (db), respectively. Similarly, highest starch yield (69.5%, db) was obtained from yellow dent corn from the IMDS process. Steepwater absorption for high amylose corn was on average 37.7% greater than the other two corn types for conventional process and 34.6% greater for the modified processes. Modified wet milling protocols with shorter steeping durations and requiring lesser amounts of SO2 can be used to efficiently process different corn mutants.

The research was carried out with the aim to investigation the effects on grain yield and some seed characteristics of leaf, tassel removal and together treatments in maize during 2018 and 2019 years. The experiments were set up according to a Randomized Complete Block Design in a split-plot arrangement with three replicates, where cultivars were in the main plots while the practices were in subplots within the main plots using Bora (dent corn) and Karadeniz Yildizi (flint corn) maize cultivars. Effect on yield and seed characteristics of leaf (LR) and tassel removal (TR) and leaf x tassel removal interaction (LRxTR) were positive in both cultivars. The highest seed width (5.25 and 5.58 mm, respectively), seed length (9.89 and 10.21 mm, respectively), seed number per ear (642.2 and 669.6 number, respectively), 1000 grain weight (412.9 and 416.6 g, respectively), hectoliter weight (74.9 and 75.2 kg, respectively) and grain yield (1268.3 and 1334.8 kg da-1, respectively) were determined from the LRxTR interaction on dent corn in both years. However, YS+UA and UA treatments were included in the same statistical group. Generally, the lowest yield and seed characteristics were recorded in control treatment. The tassel removal treatment could be recommended due to its positive effects on yield and seed characteristics.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of yellow dent corn sourced from different meteorological origins fed to growing pigs and develop equations to predict the DE and ME of yellow dent corn from southwestern China.Methods: Sixty crossbred barrows were allotted to 20 treatments in a triplicate 20×2 incomplete Latin square design with 3 replicated pigs per dietary treatment during 2 consecutive periods. Each period lasted for 12 days, and total feces and urine during the last 5 days of each period were collected to calculate the energy contents.Results: On dry matter (DM) basis, the DE and ME in 20 corn grain samples ranged from 15.38 to 16.78 MJ/kg and from 14.93 to 16.16 MJ/kg, respectively. Selected best-fit prediction equations for DE and ME (MJ/kg DM basis) for yellow dent corn (n = 16) sourced from southwestern China were as follows: DE = 28.58–(0.12×% hemicellulose)+(0.35×% ether extract)–(0.83×MJ/kg gross energy)+(0.20×% crude protein)+(0.49×% ash); ME = 30.42– (0.11×% hemicellulose)+(0.31×% ether extract)–(0.81×MJ/kg gross energy).Conclusion: Our results indicated that the chemical compositions, but not the meteorological conditions or physical characteristics could explain the variation of energy contents in yellow dent corn sourced from southwestern China fed to growing pigs.

Corn is the most cultivated cereal plant in the world after wheat and rice. Grain yield of corn depends of genetic factors but the application of various nutrients to the soil is also effective for increasing yield. Vermicompost is used for increasing grain yield at the some plants recently. Worm fertilizer which is known as vermicompost is an organic fertilizer which fertilizer is digested by worms and converted into fertilizer. Vermicompost includes all enzymes, soil antibiotics, vitamins, growth hormones and humic substances for plant growth. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of various levels of vermicompost on the yield and some characteristics of corn plant. The study was conducted in 2017 growing season of Harran Plain second crop conditions. In the study, DKC-6120 corn variety was used as plant material. Different levels of vermicompost were applied as a supplementary to standard inorganic fertilizer. Vermicompost dosages were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg da-1. The research was conducted according to the randomized complete block design with three replicates. Row spaces were 70 cm and intra row space was 20 cm. Seeds sown in 2-4 cm depth. Each parcel was built from 14 m2. In the study, hectoliter weight, ear weight, ear diameter, ear length, grain numbers of ear and grain yield values were determined. The highest hectoliter weight (80.37 g), ear weight (302.67 g), ear length (23.33 cm), grain number of ear (802.47 number) and grain yield (976.67 kg da-1) values were obtained from 200 kg da-1 vermicompost applications while the lowest values were seen at control parcels (77.87 g, 260 g, 21.79 cm, 710.27 number, and 895.24 kg da-1, respectively). Variance analysis was made with obtained data and the differences between the averages were compared according to the LSD test.

Araştırma, 2019-2021 yıllarında Bursa lokasyonunda, altı adet saf ana hat (line) ve üç adet saf baba test edici (tester) hat kullanılarak çoklu dizi (Line x Tester) yöntemine göre yapılmıştır. Elde edilen 18 melez kombinasyonu ve 9 anaç tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada, çiçeklenme gün sayısı, bitki boyu, koçan yüksekliği, koçan boyu koçan çapı, koçanda sıra sayısı, sırada tane sayısı ve koçanda tane sayısı, hektolitre ağırlığı, dekara tane verimi gibi özellikleri incelenmiştir. Anaçların ve melezlerin çoklu dizi yöntemine göre üstün genel ve özel uyum yeteneği etkisi gösteren melez kombinasyonlarını ve melez gücünü belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Tespit edilen varyans analiz sonuçları sonucunda, genotipler ve ebeveynlere karşı melezler tüm özelliklerde önemli bulunmakla birlikte bloklar, ebeveynler, hatlar, testerler, hat x tester interaksiyonu da bazı özelliklerde önemli olarak belirlenmiştir. Özel uyum yeteneği etkileri koçan yüksekliği, koçanda tane sayısı, tane verimi, çiçeklenme gün sayısı ve 1000 tane ağırlığı gibi özelliklerde önemli çıkmıştır. Genel kombinasyon yeteneği göz önüne alındığında NC272, FRMo17, FR73, S16033 ve BRS316 çeşitlerinin ıslah programlarında anaç olarak kullanılması önerilebilinir. GUY/ÖUY varyansı çiçeklenme gün sayısı haricindeki incelenen bütün özelliklerde 1’den küçük belirlenmiştir. İncelenen bu özellikler eklemeli olmayan gen etkileri ya da dominant gen etkilerinin etkili olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Heterosis - heterobeltiosis değerlerine bakıldığında sırasıyla en düşük %-45,6 ve %-15,4 değeriyle koçanda sıra sayısında, en yüksek %177,3 ve %144,7 değeriyle tane veriminden elde edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak tane verimi bakımından BRS316 x S16022, NC272 x Ç2002S22, NC272 x S16022, BRS316 x Ç2002S22, FR73 x Ç2002S22 ve S16033 x S16022 ümitvar melez kombinasyonları oldukları görülmüştür. Genel uyum yeteneği pozitif yönde önemli etkileri olan NC272 ve S16022 hatlarının melezleme çalışmalarında göz önünde bulundurulmaları araştırmacıya avantaj sağlayacaktır There search was carried out in the Bursa location in 2019-2021, six pure mainstream (Line) and three pure dad testing (tester) linesaccordingtothemulti-array (Line x tester) method. The combination of 18 hybrids and 9 Mothers were carried out in 3 ramers according to the trial pattern. In the study, the number of blooming days (days), plantlength (cm), coachheight (cm), coach-length (cm) cob diameter, the number of rows in the ranking number, the number of ranks in the ranking number, the number of ranks, the number of ranksand the number of coaching, hectoliter weight (g / l), the percentage of the percentage (%), such as decendar grain yield per decare (kg) has beenexamined. As a result of the detected analysis of variance, genotypes and crosses to parents were found to be important in all traits, but blocks, parents, lines, testers, line x tester interaction were also determined to be important in some traits. The effects of special adaptability were significant in features such as ear height, number of grains per ear, grain yield, number of flowering days and 1000 grain weight. Considering the general combination ability, it can be recommended to use NC272, FRMo17, FR 73, S16033 and BRS316 varieties as rootstocks in breeding programs. GUY/PL variance was found to be less than 1 in all the traits examined, except for the number of days to bloom. It has been concluded that non-additive gene effects or dominant gene effects are effective on these examined features. Considering the heterosis - heterobeltiosis values, the lowest values of %-45.6 and %-15.4 were obtained in the number of rows on the cob, and the highest grain yield was obtained with %177.3 and %144.7, respectively. As a result, BRS316 x S16022, NC272 x Ç2002S22, NC272 x S16022, BRS316 x Ç2002S22, FR73 x Ç2002S22 and S16033 x S16022 were promising hybrid combinations in terms of grain yield. Considering the NC272 and S16022 lines, which have positive effects on the general adaptability, in crossing studies will provide an advantage to the researcher.

The nutritive value of starch, the major source of dietary energy in pigs, varies depending on its susceptibility for digestion. The botanical origin of starch determines starch structure, and therefore, digestibility. To compare digestibility of starch, fiber, gross energy (GE), crude protein, and amino acid (AA), and to characterize undigested starch of grains in growing pigs, seven ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight, 30 kg) were fed six diets containing 96% of one of six test ingredients (three pulse grains: zero-tannin faba bean, green field pea, or mixed-cultivar chickpea; three cereal grains: hulled barley, hard red spring wheat, or hybrid yellow, dent corn), or a N-free diet in a 7 × 7 Latin square at 2.8 × maintenance digestible energy. Grain samples were ground with a hammer mill through a 2.78-mm screen. Amylose content ranged from 29% to 34% for pulse grains and from 22% to 25% for cereal grains. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch was greater (P < 0.05) in cereal (94% to 97%) than pulse grains (85% to 90%) and was lowest (P < 0.05) in faba bean (85.3%) followed by field pea (87.2%) and chickpea (90.1%). However, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of starch of all tested grains was close to 100%. Apparent hindgut fermentability (AHF, as ATTD − AID) of starch was greater (P < 0.05) in pulse grains (9.9% to 15%) than cereal grains (3.3% to 4.8%). The AHF of total dietary fiber tended to be the greatest (P < 0.10) for corn (43.5%) and lowest for wheat (25.3%). The AHF of GE was greater (P < 0.05) in pulse grains (17% to 20%) than in cereal grains (9% to 11%) and resulted in greater (P < 0.05) digestible energy (DE) contribution from hindgut fermentation for pulse grains than cereal grains (0.9 vs. 0.5 Mcal/kg). Wheat had the greatest standardized ileal digestibility of total AA (90.2%; P < 0.05). Confocal laser scanning microscopy images revealed that 20% to 30% of starch granules of pulse grains were entrapped in protein matrixes. In scanning electron microscopy images, starch granules were larger in faba bean and field pea than cereal grains. Digesta samples revealed pin holes and surface cracks in starch granules of corn and wheat, respectively. In conclusion, hindgut fermentation of starch and fiber was greater in pulse grains than cereal grains resulting in a greater DE value despite lower ileal DE for pulse grain than cereal grains. Defining the digestible and fermentable fractions of starch may enhance the accuracy of equations to predict the net energy value of these feedstuffs.

8 páginas Los crisópidos (Insecta: Neuroptera) son controladores biológicos en cultivos de importancia económica, se desconoce las especies presentes en el departamento de Lambayeque. El objetivo fue determinar las especies de crisópidos en zonas maiceras del departamento de Lambayeque, permitiendo un correcto Manejo Integrado de Plagas en el maíz amarillo duro para la Costa Norte del Perú. Se colectaron adultos de crisópidos en cinco hectáreas de maíz amarillo duro de los distritos de Jayanca, Pítipo y Lagunas; mediante muestreo directo y atrayente de luz. En 18 muestreos se colectaron un total de 558 crisopas adultas. Las especies identificadas en fueron: Chrysoperla externa Hagen, C. carnea Stephens, C. assoralis Banks, Ceraeochrysa cincta Schneider, Ceraeochrysa cubana Hagen, Ceraeochrysa valida Banks, Ceraeochrysa sp., Leucochrysa sp. y Plesiochrysa paessleri Navas. Las especies dominantes fueron Chrysoperla externa y Ceraeochrysa cincta con abundancia relativa de 31,91% y 26,6% respectivamente, valores que superan a S (inverso de riqueza) de 14,28% durante la colecta directa de horario diurno, en horario nocturno Chrysoperla carnea también presenta dominancia. Ceraeochrysa cincta es la especie con mayor presencia en los tres distritos, se le considera dominante, por sobrepasar 1/S en todos los muestreos realizados. RESUMEN. ABSTRACT. 1. Introducción. 2. Material y métodos. 3. Resultados y discusión. 4. Conclusiones. Referencias bibliográficas

Fungal species of morel (genus Morchella) have recently been found to form a symbiotic relationship with grasses. Our previous study documented that M. crassipes from Shaanxi, northwest China, increased growth of sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata and suppressed Fusarium infections. In the present study, we examined the effect of M. crassipes inoculation on dent corn, Zea mays var. indentata cv. Plant growth response indexes and variables and soil variables were used to demonstrate how M. crassipes inoculation stimulates maize growth. Three suspensions of M. crassipes mycelium (50, 100, 150 mL) were inoculated into Zea may var. indentata. The results showed that M. crassipes inoculation significantly affected growth of all the inoculated maize plants and influenced some variables and indexes that are related to tissue specificity and dose dependence. Soil moisture, available K and P accumulation by M. crassipes were affected in inoculated plants and resulted in growth enhancements that were equal to that of the plants treated with urea. Our findings reveal that inoculation with M. crassipes had a positive effect on maize yield, making the crop system more sustainable. Thus M. crassipes has the potential to become a supplement or an alternative to urea fertilizers.

In this investigation the potential of micro-Raman spectroscopy, coupled to a simple, standard chemometric method (principal component analysis, PCA), as a fast, cheap, field method to investigate maize kernel components (endosperm, germ and peel) is demonstrated. Particular emphasis was given to the determination of the relative protein and amylose/amylopectin contents in maize endosperm of yellow dent and purple flint corn species, the two major maize varieties produced in Turkey. It is shown that the studied yellow dent corn type has a comparatively larger content of protein (3.4%) and a higher amylopectin/amylose ratio in the endosperm than the studied purple flint variety (a 11% decrease of amylopectin was found in going from the studied yellow dent to the purple flint corn), while the germs of the two species differ mostly by the presence of a slightly larger amount of starch in the case of the yellow dent corn, the oil composition of both species being identical within the resolution of the used method of analysis. The spectra of the maize peels reveal essentially the presence of cellulose and lignin in similar amounts in the two types of corn.

This paper presents the features of corn as raw material for groat industry. Corn is used in many segments of the food and processing industry. corn is processed for traditional food products — groats, flakes, flour, extruded foods, and other corn byproducts are widely used for the production of dry breakfast cereals, snacks, cereal bars. In terms of using of the advanced processing technologies, the industry produces starch, gluten, and germs. Corn germ is used to produce the high-value vegetable oil, as well as starch — for both food and non-food purposes. More than half (65%) of corn is used for feed purposes, 25% –technical purposes, and nearly 20% – for various types of food production. corn is processed for traditional food products — groats, flakes, flour, extruded foods, and other corn by-products are widely used for the production of dry breakfast cereals, snacks, cereal bars. For the colour, corn is divided into white and yellow types. According to the literature data analysis, yellow corn is more used in China, Argentina, Brazil, while white corn — in some countries of Asia, Latin America, and the Balkan countries. Depending on its morphological features, the corn kernelis divided into various groups, species and subspecies. In Ukraine corn kernel is classified into 8 types, with separately defined limitations on the content of the major crop in the batch, grains of other type, etc. Corn of І-VІІІ types with the quality indicators specified in the standard, for the production of food products. Flint and dent corn types are the most applied grain varieties in the industry, they are widely used in the production segment of food and feed products. Sweet corn is widely used as a vegetable crop in the food canning, food concentrates, starch and brewing industries due to its flavor properties. Popped corn is not only the most convenient raw material for the production of popcorn, but it also can be used as the raw material for the production of corn curls and dry breakfast cereals By analyzing the weight fraction of fat in kernels of different corn varieties we can note that the lowest number of fat is typical for popped corn (4.0%) and the largest – for sweet corn (9.1%); dent and flint corn have the same total fat number (4.5-4.9%).Test weight of corn types – popped corn ranges within 712-826 g/l, dent corn - 875-893 g/l, and flint corn - 768-786 g/l. The weight of 1000 kernels of corn depending on the varieties changes within 150-600 g.

Enogen Feed corn is a variety developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL) that has been genetically modified to contain an α-amylase enzyme trait (SYT-EFC). Originally, Enogen feed corn was developed for the ethanol industry due to its reduction in viscosity of the corn mash, thus eliminating the need to add a liquid form of the α-amylase enzyme. However, there is a potential application for Enogen Feed corn to be used in livestock diets due to the increase in α-amylase enzyme potential to increase starch digestibility. A more common method of increasing starch digestibility in corn is to finely grind it to reduce particle size. This increases the surface area and allows for greater interaction with digestive enzymes. We hypothesized that pigs fed Enogen feed corn potentially could achieve similar gain:feed ratio (G:F) at larger particle sizes than conventional corn because of the differences in starch digestibility. In experiment 1, a total of 360 pigs (DNA 200 × 400, Columbus, NE; initially 6.6 ± 0.1 kg BW) were used with five pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (300, 600, or 900 µm). Overall, there was a corn source × particle size interaction (linear, P = 0.027) for G:F. There was no effect due to particle size when pigs were fed conventional yellow dent corn, but in pigs fed Enogen Feed corn, G:F increased with decreasing particle size. Neither corn source nor particle size affected (P > 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). In experiment 2, a total of 323 pigs (241 × 600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 50.0 ± 1.3 kg) were used with nine pigs per pen and six pens per treatment. Treatments were identical as experiement 1. Overall, corn source had no effect on finishing pig ADG, ADFI or G:F. For corn particle size, ADG and G:F increased (linear, P < 0.014) and ADFI decreased (P = 0.043) as particle size decreased. For stomach morphology, there was a tendency for a corn source × particle size interaction (P = 0.055) for keratinization score with keratinization increasing linearly (P = 0.001) as particle size of the corn decreased for yellow dent corn with no change in keratinization score as particle size decreased for Enogen Feed corn. In summary, reducing corn particle size improved G:F with no major differences observed between corn sources for overall pig performance.

Genetic modification of corn has enhanced the use of different corn hybrids in animal agriculture. Enogen Feed corn, developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL), has potential for use in livestock diets due to increase α-amylase enzyme in the corn thus improving starch digestibility. In addition, the pelleting process also increases starch gelatinization which increases its digestibility by the pig, increasing growth rate and improving feed efficiency. Therefore, pelleting Enogen Feed corn might prove to provide a greater response in growth performance than conventional yellow dent corn. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of corn source and diet form on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. A total of 288 pigs (53.0 ± 0.5 kg) were used with eight pigs per pen and nine pens per treatment in a 72-d study. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and diet form (meal or pellet). For overall (d 0 to 72) performance, no interactions between corn source and diet form were observed. There was a tendency (P < 0.10) for slightly improved average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) for pigs fed conventional yellow dent corn compared to those fed Enogen Feed corn. For feed form, pigs fed pelleted diets had increased (P < 0.001) ADG and G:F compared to pigs fed meal diets. For carcass characteristics, pigs fed pelleted diets had increased hot carcass weight compared to pigs fed meal diets (P < 0.001). In summary, feeding pelleted diets to finishing pigs increased ADG and improved feed efficiency compared to those fed meal-based diets. There were no major differences between observed corn sources or interactions between corn source and diet form on growth performance.

Enogen Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) hybrids contain a trait for expression of heat-stable α-amylase in the grain. α-Amylase is an enzyme responsible for breakdown of starch in the small intestine; supplementation of exogenous α-amylase to pigs may result in greater starch digestibility and thus improved gain efficiency. A total of 288 pigs (Line 600 × 241, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 41.6 kg) were utilized in an 82-d trial to determine if replacing conventional yellow dent corn (CONV) with EFC in diets with or without distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) influences growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments balancing for initial body weight. There were nine pens per treatment with eight pigs per pen (an equal number of barrows and gilts per pen). Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (CONV or EFC) and DDGS (0% or 25%). Experimental diets were fed in meal form in three phases: days 0 to 29, 29 to 47, and 47 to 82. Pigs were weighed approximately every 2 wk and at the beginning of each phase. On day 82, pigs were transported to a commercial abattoir for processing and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. There were no corn source by DDGS interactions (P > 0.05) observed for overall performance or carcass characteristics. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was marginally greater (P < 0.089) for pigs fed EFC than CONV with no evidence (P > 0.196) for difference in average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain:feed ratio (G:F), hot carcass weight (HCW), or other carcass traits. Addition of DDGS decreased (P < 0.047) overall ADG and G:F. Pigs fed DDGS had marginally lower (P < 0.071) HCW, less (P < 0.050) backfat depth, greater (P < 0.026) loin depth, and greater (P < 0.020) percentage lean and carcass fat iodine value (IV). In summary, addition of 25% DDGS to the diet decreased ADG and increased carcass fat IV. Pigs fed EFC tended to have improved overall ADG; however, G:F and carcass characteristics were not different between corn sources. These results suggest that EFC, although not beneficial, may be used as a substitute for CONV without any deleterious effects on growth performance. Further research should be conducted to understand whether addition of EFC to swine diets could be beneficial in younger pigs exhibiting decreased pancreatic α-amylase secretion following weaning or whether heat treatment of diets, such as pelleting, may influence the response to EFC.

Enogen Feed corn is a variety developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL) that has been genetically modified to contain an α-amylase enzyme trait (SYT-EFC). Originally, Enogen feed corn was developed for the ethanol industry due to its properties for reducing the viscosity of its corn mash. There is potential application for Enogen Feed corn to be used in livestock diets due to the potential for the increase in α- amylase enzyme to increase the starch digestibility. Because of this, it may be possible to increase the particle size of ground Enogen Feed corn and maintain the same starch digestibility as finely ground conventional yellow dent corn. Therefore, our hypothesis was that an interaction between corn source and particle size would exist such that the performance of sows fed fine ground conventional yellow dent corn would be similar to sows fed coarse ground Enogen Feed corn. A total of 107 sows (Line 241; DNA, Columbus, NE) across four batch farrowing groups were used to evaluate sow and litter performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (600 or 900 µm). From farrowing to weaning, there was a tendency for a corn source × particle size interaction (P = 0.065) in sow body weight (BW) change. Sows fed 900 µm Enogen Feed corn had decreased BW loss compared to sows fed other treatments, which were similar in weight loss. For sow average daily feed intake from farrowing to weaning, there was a corn source × particle size interaction (P = 0.048) with sows fed 900 µm conventional yellow dent corn having lower feed intake than the sows fed 600 µm conventional yellow dent corn, whereas sows fed 900 µm Enogen Feed corn had greater feed intake compared to the sows fed 600 µm Enogen Feed corn. There was a tendency for a particle size main effect (P < 0.10) for litter average daily gain (ADG) and total litter gain, with sows fed corn ground to 600 µm having increased litter ADG and total litter gain compared to sows fed corn ground to 900 µm. In summary, there were few differences in sow or litter characteristics among those fed Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn. Reducing particle size of both corn sources tended to increase litter ADG and weaning weights.

Two separate experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of incremental doses of 10 exogenous endo-acting α-amylase and exo-acting glucoamylase; 1LAT (bacterial α-amylase), 2AK, 3AC, 4Cs4, 5Trga, 6Afuga, 7Fvga, and 10Tg (fungal α-amylases, glucoamylases, and α-glucosidase), 8Star and 9Syn (fungal amylase-mixtures; experiment 1) and three exogenous proteases; 11P14L, 12P7L, and 13P30L (bacterial proteases; experiment 2) on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro starch digestibility (IVSD) of mature dent corn grain using a batch culture system. Incremental doses of the exogenous enzymes (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mg/g of dried substrate) were applied directly to the substrate (0.5 g of ground corn, 4 mm) in sextuplicate (experiment 1) or quadruplicate (experiment 2) within F57 filter bags, which were incubated at 39 °C in buffered rumen fluid for 7 h. Rumen fluid was collected 2–3 h after the morning feeding from three lactating dairy cows and pooled. Cows were consuming a midlactation total mixed ration (TMR; 1.60 Mcal/kg DM and 15.4%; net energy of lactation and crude protein, respectively). Three independent runs were carried out for each experiment. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using run as the blocking factor. Dose was used as a fixed factor while run was considered a random factor. Linear, quadratic, and cubic orthogonal contrasts were also tested. In experiment 1, enzymes 2AK, 3AC, and 10Tg did not increase (P > 0.10) IVDMD and IVSD, whereas 0.25 mg of enzymes 1LAT, 5Trga, and 8Star increased (P < 0.01) IVDMD by 23%, 47%, and 62% and IVSD by 35%, 41%, and 58%, respectively, compared with the control. Enzymes 4Cs4, 6Afuga, 7Fvga, and 9Syn linearly increased IVDMD and IVSD (P < 0.01). Greatest increases in IVDMD (82.9%) and IVSD (85.9%) resulted with 1 mg of 6Afuga compared to control. In experiment 2, the lowest dose of exogenous proteases 11P14L and 12P7L increased (P < 0.01) IVDMD by 98% and 87% and IVSD by 57% and 64%, respectively, whereas the highest dose of 13P30L increased (P = 0.02) IVDMD by 44.8% and IVSD by 30%, relative to the control. In conclusion, IVSD and IVDMD were increased by one α-amylase, certain glucoamylases, and all proteases tested, with the glucoamylase 6Afuga in experiment 1 and the neutral protease 12P7L in experiment 2, increasing IVDMD and IVSD to the greater extents. Future in vivo studies are required to validate these findings before these enzyme additives can be recommended for improving the digestibility of mature dent corn grain.

The gelatinization temperature (Tgel) of starch increases in the presence of sweeteners due to sweetener-starch intermolecular interactions in the amorphous regions of starch. Different starch botanical sources contain different starch architectures, which may alter sweetener-starch interactions and the effects of sweeteners on Tgels. To document these effects, the Tgels of wheat, potato, waxy corn, dent corn, and 50% and 70% high amylose corn starches were determined in the presence of eleven different sweeteners and varying sweetener concentrations. Tgels of 2:1 sweetener solution:starch slurries were measured using differential scanning calorimetry. The extent of Tgel elevation was affected by both starch and sweetener type. Tgels of wheat and dent corn starches increased the most, while Tgels of high amylose corn starches were the least affected. Fructose increased Tgels the least, and isomalt and isomaltulose increased Tgels the most. Overall, starch Tgels increased more with increasing sweetener concentration, molar volume, molecular weight, and number of equatorial and exocyclic hydroxyl groups. Starches containing more short amylopectin chains, fewer amylopectin chains that span through multiple clusters, higher number of building blocks per cluster, and shorter inter-block chain lengths exhibited the largest Tgel increases in sweetener solutions, attributed to less stable crystalline regions.

Ustilago maydis (DC) Corda, the causal agent of maize smut disease, can form enormous galls on cobs and cause significant yield losses under favorable conditions. In addition to yield losses, U . maydis may have an influence on the kernel quality in smutted cobs. The aim of this study was to determine presence of mycoflora on the cobs infected by U . maydis . A 2-year field experiment was conducted in Antalya Province. In the study, some maize cultivars belonging to various maize variety groups including dent corn, flint corn, sweet corn and popcorn were used as host plants. Inoculations were performed by injecting inoculum into ear silk of each cob of the plants in inoculated plots. For each treatment, control plots were also set up. When the kernels of cobs in control plots were mature enough to harvest, kernel samples in inoculated plots were taken from smutted cobs and investigated in terms of fungal flora. A total of 6 genera (Paecilomyces, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Acremonium, Fusarium, Rhizopus) were detected from the kernels in the smutted cobs. However, fre-quently isolated species were Aspergillus fumigatus , A . niger , A . parasiticus ( A . flavus ), Paecilomyces lilacinus , Penicillium citrinum , Fusarium solani , F . oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer . The most frequently isolated genus was Aspergillus (31.4%), while the lowest one was Penicillium (6.4%). The study showed that U . maydis may affect kernel quality of maize by harboring some fungal microorganisms in smutted cobs.

This study performs the techno-economic analysis of simultaneous ethanol production and anthocyanins extraction from colored corn in a dry grind facility. Comprehensive models for the conventional process using dent corn and modified process for colored corn including pericarp separation and anthocyanin recovery were developed in the SuperPro designer. Ethanol production for plants processing 1113.11 MT/day of corn, were estimated 42, 37 and 35.2 million gallon/yr for yellow, blue and purple corn, respectively. Capital investments ranged between $87.9 and $100 million, with a minimum investment for the conventional plant. Irrespective of higher capital investments and gross operating costs, ethanol production cost during purple corn processing was 42% less than that of yellow corn ($0.75 vs. $1.3/gal ethanol) because of high revenue from anthocyanin extract. Annual anthocyanins extract production from blue corn was only 26.5 MT compared to 879 MT for purple corn, and the process was not economically viable. The internal rate of return for the plant processing purple corn was 21.2%, compared to only 8.7% for a conventional plant using yellow dent corn. The use of purple corn in dry grind facilities can significantly improve the process economics and provide anthocyanin extract for use in the food industry.

Bifidobacterium sp. as microbes has potential role in fermentation of nixtamalized horse dent corn (Zea mays var. indentata) to degrade complex components into folic acid-rich corn biomass. Fermentation process on both nixtamalized yellow corn and white corn by Bifidobacterium brevis and Bifidobacterium bifidum as substrat of A, B, C and D were conducted at concentration of corn folic acid inoculum 40% (w/w) and 37 °C for 0, 8, 16, and 24 hours, respectively. Based on dissolved protein yielded, the experiment result showed that the best result of optimization in fermentation of both nixtamalized yellow corn (biomass B) and white corn (biomass D) was achieved by using inoculum of B. bifidum for 16 hours with composition of folic acid of 213.58 and 297.72 μg/mL, total solids of 21.14 and 21.07%, dissolved protein of 0.42 and 0.39 mg/mL, reducing sugars of 34.2 and 37.8 mg/mL, total sugars of 104.7 and 98.6 mg/mL, total acids of 0.37 and 0.44%, N-amino of 0.28 and 0.26 mg/g, and pH 4.82 and 4.49, respectively. In this condition, biomass of B. and biomass of D indicated domination of folic acid monomer with molecular weight (MW) 442.29 and 442.59 Dalton (Da.) at relative intensity 100%, particles size of 1115.1 nm and 1075.7 nm, and particle index of 0.827 and 0.849, respectively. Meanwhile, volatile compounds were dominated by 2,3-butanediol of 4.46 and 10.65%, palmitic acid of 7.63 and 8.26%, octadecenoic acid of 6.31 and 9.5%, lactic acid of 2.37% and 0.53%, respectively.

Drying temperature (DT) of corn can influence its nutritional quality, but whether this is influenced by endosperm hardness is not clear. Two parallel experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of 2 yellow dent corn hybrids with average and hard kernel hardness, dried at 3 temperatures (35, 80, and 120°C), and 2 supplementation levels of an exogenous amylase (0, 133 g/ton of feed) on live performance, starch and protein digestibility, and energy utilization of Ross 708 male broilers. Twelve dietary treatments consisting of a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement were evaluated using 3-way ANOVA in a randomized complete block design. In Experiment 1, a total of 1,920 male-chicks were randomly allocated to 96 floor pens, whereas 480 day-old chicks were distributed among 96 cages for Experiment 2. At 40 d, interaction effects (P < 0.05) were detected on BWG, FCR, and flock uniformity. Supplementation with exogenous amylase resulted in heavier broilers, better FCR and flock uniformity, only in the diets based on corn dried at 35°C. Additionally, interaction effects were observed on FCR due to kernel hardness and DT (P < 0.01), kernel hardness and amylase supplementation (P < 0.001), and DT and amylase supplementation (P < 0.05). Exogenous amylase addition to the diets based on corn with an average hardness improved FCR up to 2 points (1.49 vs. 1.51 g:g) whereas there was no effect of amylase on FCR of broilers fed diets based on corn with hard endosperm. Total tract retention of starch was increased (P < 0.05) in broilers fed diets based on corn with average kernel hardness compared to hard kernel. Corn dried at 80 and 120°C had up to 1.21% points less starch total tract retention than the one dried at 35°C. Supplementing alpha-amylase resulted in beneficial effects for broiler live performance, energy utilization, and starch total tract digestibility results. Treatment effects on starch characteristics were explored. Corn endosperm hardness, DT and exogenous amylase can influence the live performance of broilers. However, these factors are not independent and so must be manipulated strategically to improve broiler performance.

The research was conducted with aim to investigate adaptation capability of twenty five hybrid dent corn cultivars, and to determine relationships among traits in maize at Bingol, East Anatolia Region, conditions of Turkey during 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. The experiment was set up according to the Randomized Complete-Block Design with three replicates. Results of the research showed that differences among the grain yields and yield components of cultivars were statistically significant in both years. The highest and the lowest value of yield components varied according to cultivars and years. The grain yield of maize cultivars varied in between 5521.3-10442.0 kg ha-1 in the first year and in between 6362.0-14296.7 kg ha-1 in the second year. The highest grain yields were determined in ADV-2898 cultivar (10442.0 kg ha-1) in the first year and Tuano cultivar (14296.7 kg ha-1) in the second year. The lowest grain yield was identified in Şafak cultivar (5521.3 kg ha-1) in the first year and Dian cultivar (6362.0 kg ha-1) in the second year. According to correlation analysis, grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with ear length, ear diameter number of kernel per ear, ear weight and 1000 grain weight of maize. The non-significant correlations were determined in between grain yield with plant height and stem diameter.