Identifying variation in the nutritional value of corn based on chemical kernel characteristics

The metabolisable energy of corn can vary by more than 400 kcal/kg in poultry. Chemical, rather than physical kernel characteristics may be more accurate for predicting nutrient and energy availability. Factors that affect variability include genetics, agronomic conditions, proximate composition, pre- nd post-harvest processing variables, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors. Variation in the nutritional value of corn may be better identified when the relationship between protein and starch are considered rather than by total content or predicted digestibility values alone. Recently, the use of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy has made rapid valuation of corn based on chemical kernel characteristics a possibility. Prediction equations may be useful for formulating diets to more closely approximate actual metabolisable energy content for poultry.