Maize nutrient composition and the influence of xylanase addition

This study assessed differences in nutrient composition, physical characteristics, and xylo-oligosaccharide content with or without xylanase treatment by maize genotype and the grain position on the cob. Ten cobs each from sixteen maize varieties sowed in the same field were collected and classified considering the grain's position on the cob (basal vs apical). The majority of physicochemical characteristics were influenced by an interaction between genetic background and grain position (P < 0.05); however, moisture, crude protein, starch, ash and soluble arabinose:xylose ratio differed between maize varieties and grain on cob position, without interaction. Xylanase addition increased the concentration of soluble compounds and xylotriose content in the aqueous phase following incubation in vitro (P < 0.05) and in the case of xylotriose the amounts released varied with grain position and variety. In conclusion, maize genotype and grain position on the cob significantly influenced chemical composition and oligosaccharide content when treated with xylanase, which may contribute to nutrient variability between maize samples.

Automated summary

Maize genotype and grain position on the cob significantly influence chemical composition and oligosaccharide content, particularly when treated with xylanase. The addition of xylanase increases the concentration of soluble compounds and xylotriose in the aqueous phase.