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Influence of Yellow Dent Corn Hybrids Having Different Kernel Characteristics Yet Similar Nutrient Composition on Broiler Production

Poultry Science Department, Auburn University, AL 36849; Phone: (334) 844-2617; FAX: (334) 844-2641

H. L. Stilborn

Optimum Quality Grains, L. L. C. Des Moines, IA 50322

Correspondence: E. T. Moran, Jr., E-mail:emoran{at}acesag.auburn.edu

Yellow dent corn hybrids having different kernel characteristics (A = small, hard; B = large, soft) but analyzed to contain similar nutrient profiles were compared as the grain source for broilers reared sex-separate to 7 wk of age. Feeds were formulated to NRC (1994) recommendations using a nutrient profile for typical yellow dent corn in the ingredient matrix. Direct substitution for the matrix corn with the test grains (A and B) provided two dietary treatments. Experimentation was conducted in winter and was repeated in summer. Broilers given corn A diets during the cold weather trial were heavier than those fed corn B. Feed conversion and mortality patterns were not affected. Chilled carcass weights were significantly greater for the corn A group, although abdominal fat, meat yield, and incidence of carcass quality defects were similar between the treatments. Duplication of the experiment during hot weather revealed parallel responses; however, the magnitude of variation decreased between treatment groups for all observations. The influence of corn source was independent of a significant broiler sex effect during both studies. Results suggest that corn grain with different kernel characteristics, but parallel nutrient complements, can provide comparable measures of broiler production, with the extent of these similarities presumably influenced by the production environment.

Key Words: Broiler • corn hybrid • live production • processing yield