The obtained data as shown in Table 1, cleared that maize stalks contain high content of crude fiber, cellulose, lignin and lower content in crude protein. These data are in agreement with findings reported by Lin et al., 1985 and Tanaka et al., 1985.
From the data presented in Table 1, it could be concluded that maize stalks are rich in energy material. However, maize stalks contain lignin which protects this energy material from the action of cellulolytic enzymes in the rumen. In addition, maize stalks are poor content in protein content. This native composition of maize stalks makes them unsuitable for animal feeding.
Date presented in Table 2, show the minerals content of maize stalks. The chemical analysis cleared that essential macro elements for animal nutrition such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium were found in abundant amounts being, on dry matter bases, 1020, 370 and 800 mg/kg, respectively, for maize stalks matter, respectively, while maize stalks contain high amounts of Mg and Fe being 3900 and 517.80 mg/kg dried matter, respectively.
Table 2.
Minerals content of maize stalks (mg/kg).