Genetic variation for ruminal starch degradability at silage harvest maturity in a set of 47 maize hybrids using a high through-put measurement approach

Authors

  • Cédric Riboulet Seed Product Development, Corteva Agriscience, Pacé, 35740, France
  • Benoit Revol Seed Product Development, Corteva Agriscience, Pacé, 35740, France
  • Frank Technow Seed Product Development, Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate a methodology to characterize ruminal starch degradability of silage maize based on kernel density measurements. A set of 47 European commercial silage hybrids was evaluated in 2024 across six locations in France and Germany for 4 traits: Silage Yield, Dry Matter, Starch content and Ruminal Starch Degradability. The set comprised hybrids from different private companies registered in Europe between 2015 and 2024 and included 12 flint, 11 flint/dent and 24 dent types. We found a high amount of genetic variation and high broad sense heritability ranging from 0.88 to 0.98 for all traits, including Ruminal Starch Degradability. The new measurement protocol for Ruminal Starch Degradability clearly separated hybrids of different grain types and trait values were stable across environment, with little Hybrid by Environment interaction. We finally propose a new trait called Ruminal Starch Degradability Yield, giving the total amount of rumen digestible starch per hectare, as aid to breeders and farmers in identifying promising hybrid products.

Additional Files

Published

2026-03-11

Issue

Vol. 68 No. 1

Section

Articles

License

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