Nutritional evaluation of eight transgenic corn (Zea mays) varieties for silage production

Abstract

Forage refers to any plant used for animal feeding. Among the plants used as forage are those belonging to the Poaceae family. In this study, eight transgenic corn varieties were evaluated to determine their suitability as fresh forage for silage production. The objective of the research was to assess the nutritional content and quality indicators of eight commercial transgenic corn varieties used as fresh forage. The study was conducted at the Pan-American Agricultural School, Zamorano. The variables analyzed included carbohydrate, protein, and fat content; energy indicators; ash and dry matter; and fermentation quality indicators. Eight treatments were evaluated: DK-7088 VT3 PRO®, DK-370 VT3 PRO®, DK-390 VT TRIPLE PRO®, BM-790 PRO3®, BM-3063 PRO3®, BM-3066 PRO3®, P-3966WHR®, and P-4082WHR®, with three replications per treatment, resulting in 24 experimental units randomly distributed within the selected field. A Randomized Complete Block Design was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 23.1, applying analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s multiple range test for mean separation. Significant differences were observed in the following measured variables: total sugars, digestible neutral detergent fiber, fat, dry matter, crude protein, and soluble crude protein. In terms of energy value, the transgenic corn varieties did not show significant differences.