Is the feed value of specialty corn types superior to that of normal corn hybrids?
Feeding trials have been conducted with waxy, high-oil, and high- lysine corn. The results from a considerable number of waxy corn feeding trials on all types of livestock have been inconsistent. While a few of the trials showed statistically significant increases in rate of gain and/or feed efficiency, most trials showed only slight positive changes or no changes. A conservative approach would be to grow waxy hybrids for feed purposes only if they yield equal to or greater than normal hybrids. High-lysine hybrids have demonstrated nutritional advantages over normal corn. The nutritional advantage is only for nonruminants, such as swine, since the microflora in the rumen of ruminants can synthesize lysine and tryptophane. The value of high-lysine corn in poultry rations is limited by a third amino acid – methionine. The methionine content of high-lysine corn is adequate for swine but not for poultry. Feeding trials with high-oil corn indicate improved feed efficiency and rate of gain.
