New tool from Pioneer quickly measures digestible energy

Swine and poultry may think corn is just corn, but new research from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., shows there are significant differences in feed energy levels between corn hybrids.  To help producers benefit from corn hybrids that provide above-average energy levels, the company has identified and classified 60 Pioneer^® brand hybrids as high available energy (HAE).  These HAE hybrids will be marketed through the Pioneer IndustrySelect^SM program, which identifies existing Pioneer seed products for favorable feed or corn processing characteristics. 

“With feed representing more than 60 percent of the cost to produce pork and poultry, managing energy costs is imperative for producers,” says Dan Jones, Ph.D., swine nutritionist at Pioneer in Johnston, Iowa.  “Corn is the most widely used source of energy for swine and poultry worldwide.  The goal at Pioneer is to help producers maximize the available energy in their rations by providing them with corn hybrids that are superior in digestible energy compared to corn from the commodity stream.”

Benefits for feeders and corn growers

The variation in digestible energy content of corn grain used for animal feed was discovered through nearly three years of feeding trials at the Pioneer Livestock Nutrition Center.  Further investigation of this variability shows that grain from a significant number of Pioneer hybrids delivers digestible energy concentrations of up to 35 kcal/lb more than grain sourced from the commercial grain stream. 

The industry average digestible energy concentration of corn is recognized to be 1800 kcal/lb on a 100 percent dry matter basis, yet Pioneer studies show digestible energy concentration can range from 1735 kcal/lb to 1865 kcal/lb. 

“By choosing hybrids that are above average in digestible energy concentration, pork and poultry producers can improve the overall energy content of the feed for their animals and better manage their energy costs,” says Jones. 

With a wide selection of Pioneer hybrids designated as HAE, corn growers can include this trait in their hybrid-selection criteria for corn acres intended for pork and poultry feed end use.  Livestock feeders will benefit because grain from HAE hybrids has more available energy with less overall variation than exists in the commodity corn supply.

“Another upside for both corn growers and livestock producers is that Pioneer hybrids designated as HAE are yield-leading hybrids with strong agronomic traits.  In many cases, growers may already be growing HAE hybrids on their farms,” says Jones. 

Changing energy density through genetics

In evaluating hybrids for digestible energy, Pioneer has developed a near infrared transmittance (NIT) rapid analysis model for quickly determining available energy concentration of whole corn.  Development of this tool resulted from extensive swine feeding trials that determined the digestibility coefficients of hundreds of individual corn grain samples.  To date, Pioneer has analyzed more than 30,000 corn samples from research plots and commercial fields. 

From this analysis, Pioneer researchers also have identified a strong genetic component for digestible energy concentration which means through continued selection and characterization, the digestible energy concentration can continue to be shifted upward from today’s industry average.  The NIT analysis model will be a key tool in identifying and characterizing future hybrids as HAE.

For details on HAE hybrids from Pioneer, corn growers and livestock producers should visit with their local provider of Pioneer brand products or visit www.pioneer.com.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries.  DuPont is a science company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier.  Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

 ^{®, SM} Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.