Evaluating modern corn hybrids for broiler production: Effects on feed characteristics, live performance, carcass quality, and processing yields

Plant breeders have traditionally developed corn hybrids with emphasis on improved agronomic performance rather than on nutritional characteristics of the grain. However, advanced plant breeding techniques and biotechnology have encouraged selective manipulation of the nutritive components of the corn kernel. Many of the resulting corn types may have meaningful applications for the commercial poultry industry. The present research was conducted to evaluate the implications of diverse corn hybrids for broiler production.; Two yellow dent corn hybrids having similar nutrient compositions, yet differing physical characteristics, were evaluated as grain sources for practical broiler diets during periods of environmental extremes. Results suggested that corn hybrids with comparable nutrient profiles can differ in their effectiveness for broiler production, particularly in measures of live production. The extent of these differences may be influenced by the production environment. These findings were independent from a broiler gender effect.; Selected corns were examined for apparent metabolizable energy (AME _n) during separate experiments, using total excreta collection methodology with neonatal and mature fowl. AME_n values differed considerably among the grains. Furthermore, broiler chicks recovered substantially less energy from the grains than the adult birds. It was concluded that corn type, as well as bird age, are important considerations when establishing the metabolizable energy value of corn grain for application in broiler feed formulations.; Yellow dent and high oil corns were evaluated in practical broiler diets formulated on the basis of determined versus estimated AME_n values for the grains. Inclusion of high oil corn improved feed pellet quality. Measures of broiler live performance and processing yield were not influenced by corn type or by diet formulation method. Although the grains differed in their proportions of several fatty acids, observations on thigh meat fatty acid profiles were confounded by diverse levels of supplemental fat in the test diets.; The feeding values of grain from a yellow dent corn hybrid and its waxy variant were tested under practical conditions. Diets were formulated to equivalent energy and nutrient levels. Proximate compositions of the test corns were applied in the ingredient data matrix. Starter rations employed corn AME _n values determined with chicks and roosters, whereas grower and finisher diets relied exclusively upon the rooster data. Benefits to measures of broiler live performance and processing yield, as well as to pelleted feed quality, favored waxy corn as a grain source for commercial broiler feeds.