Abstract
To predict the digestibility of whole maize plant and its morphological fractions from its chemical composition. samples of whole plant. leaf and stem of Akbar, Neelurn, U.M.-81 and'I.Z.-31 cultivars of maize fodder were collected at different growth stages. All the samples were analyzed for their chemical composition. Dry matter digestibility of whole maize fodder and its morphological fractions was determined by using in vitro fermentation technique. It was observed that neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were significantly but negatively correlated with in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of whole maize plant, leaf and stem. Significant but negative correlations were also observed between various cell wall components and IVDMD of different cultivars of maize plant and its morphological fractions. However, variations in correlation values existed at various growth stages of maize plant. Based on correlations. several prediction equations were developed to work out IVDMD from various cell wall constituents of whole maize plant. leaf and stem. Key words: cultivars, dry matter digestibility, prediction equations for IVDMD
