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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
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High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Published on: June 16, 2018
Associations Between Benzoxazinoids, Plant Development and Nutritional Parameters in Different Maize Maturing
Julia Eichinger1, Jürg Hiltbrunner2, Pierre Mateo3
1Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Maize silage quality is linked to benzoxazinoids (BXs). Higher concentrations of DIMBOA and DIMBOA-Glc in maize forage correlate with increased net energy for lactation, showing plant defense and forage quality can coexist.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
Background:
- Maize silage is a key energy source for ruminants.
- Forage maize contains benzoxazinoids (BXs), antimicrobial compounds that persist after ensiling.
- Understanding the relationship between BXs and forage nutritive value is crucial for ruminant nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate 14 commercial forage maize genotypes for nutrient composition and BX concentrations.
- To determine if BX concentrations or nutrient profiles differ between early and mid-early maturing genotypes.
- To assess associations between BXs, nutrient composition, and forage quality traits.
Main Methods:
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for nutrient analysis.
- Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) for BX quantification.
- Statistical analyses including Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Spearman correlations, linear regression, and principal component analysis (PCA).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in BX concentrations or nutrient composition were found between early and mid-early maturing maize genotypes.
- BX metabolite concentrations were negatively correlated with European corn borer incidence.
- DIMBOA and DIMBOA-Glc concentrations were positively associated with net energy for lactation, indicating a potential link between plant defense and forage quality.
Conclusions:
- Plant defense capacity, indicated by BX concentrations, and high forage quality can be achieved simultaneously in forage maize under practical growing conditions.
- BXs may play a role in enhancing the nutritional value of maize silage for ruminants.
- Further research could explore optimizing BX levels for improved ruminant nutrition and crop resilience.
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