Abstract
Background
Cultivating corn plants in rice fields during the dry season is an alternative worth considering to provide ruminant feed. Still, there has been no information on the nutrient content and biomass productivity of corn plants cultivated in rice fields during the dry season.
Aim
This study aimed to assess the biomass yield and nutrient content of corn plants cultivated in rice fields during the dry season as potential feed for ruminant livestock.
Methods
The research was conducted in Sidenreng Rappang Regency, South Sulawesi Province, and involved two corn varieties: P1—Lamuru (local composite) and P2—Pioneer P32 (hybrid), each evaluated with five replications.
Results
The results indicated that Pioneer P32 corn stalks and whole plants had higher dry matter (DM) content, while Lamuru corn stalks exhibited higher ether extract (EE) content. However, other nutrient components across plant parts and varieties showed no significant differences. The yield of crude fiber (CF) was higher in Lamuru corn leaves, but yields of other nutrients across plant parts were generally similar. The contribution of stalks, leaves, and cobs to the overall biomass and nutrient yield did not differ significantly between the two varieties. The varieties were comparable in carrying capacity, average daily gain (ADG) potential, and milk yield estimates based on DM and crude protein (CP).
Conclusion
In conclusion, although Pioneer P32 demonstrated superior DM content, both varieties' overall nutrient profile and biomass yields were similar, with no significant differences in carrying capacity, ADG potential, or milk yield. Therefore, further multi-season and multi-location studies are recommended to validate these findings under different environmental conditions.

Key words: corn varieties, biomass yield, nutrient content, rice fields, dry season