Lignin composition is more important than content for maize stem cell wall degradation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The relationship between the chemical and molecular properties - in particular the (acid detergent) lignin (ADL) content and composition expressed as the ratio between syringyl and guaiacyl compounds (S:G ratio) - of maize stems and in vitro gas production was studied in order to determine which is more important in the degradability of maize stem cell walls in the rumen of ruminants. Different internodes from two contrasting maize cultivars (Ambrosini and Aastar) were harvested during the growing season.

Results

The ADL content decreased with greater internode number within the stem, whereas the ADL content fluctuated during the season for both cultivars. The S:G ratio was lower in younger tissue (greater internode number or earlier harvest date) in both cultivar

SUBMITTER: He Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5725715 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature