See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/305209623

Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed

Article · June 2015

CITATIONS READS

0 1,928

3 authors, including:

Md. Saiful Islam Md. Shakhawat Hossain

University of Rajshahi Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
17 PUBLICATIONS   7 CITATIONS    6 PUBLICATIONS   0 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Ninmas View project

Working on corrosion inhibition of steels View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Md. Shakhawat Hossain on 12 July 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Journal homepage: www.jakraya.com/journal/jpst

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed

Md. Saiful Islam*1, Md. Moinul Haque2, Md. Shakhawat Hossain3
1
Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.
2
Department of Chemistry, Dhaka City College, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
3
Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute, Rajshahi-6207, Bangladesh.

Abstract
Moisture is an important factor of a raw material for producing
poultry feed. Around 60% corn is used in poultry feed as a feed ingredient.
*Corresponding Author: So it is recognized that, corn is the main ingredients of poultry feed. Feed
moisture or feed quality is directly related to the corn moisture. In this
Md. Saiful Islam investigation three different moisture levels (14%, 15% and 16%) in corn
have been used in feed. Among these three types, corn with 14% moisture
Email: saiful@ru.ac.bd; can be used in both pellet and mash feed by storing less than one month. In
saiful005@gmail.com this case the quality, particle size and physical appearance of feed were
quiet normal. Corn with 15% moisture can be used directly only in pellet
Received: 17/05/2015 feed, but corn with 16% moisture can not be used. Because this high
moisture corn the outcome feed moisture is affected and the quality is also
Revised: 19/06/2015
degraded and thus the feed can not be stored for a long time. So, to adhere
Accepted: 22/06/2015 the quality of feed, corn with 15% moisture can be used directly without
storing but corn with 16% moisture must have to dry before use.

Keywords: Corn, Moisture, Poultry feed, Particle size, Quality, Pellet

feed, Mash feed.
1. Introduction
Corn is one of the oldest crops in the world. It is Foundation Grant. In the early 1980s under the BARI
a major food in the Central and South African countries
end in parts of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand,
China, Philippines, Japan and Turkey. In Ba ng ladesh
it is u s e d mainly as a snack and rarely known as an
item of main meal.
Corn has been a known crop in Bangladesh for a
long time. It was probably introduced in India by the
Portuguese in the mid-16th century. But efforts to
develop new corn varieties or to expand or popularize
the use of corn as food grain or for industrial products
began in the mid- 1940s when the Imperial Council of
Agricultural Research imported corn germplasm from
the United States and initiated research on development
of hybrid corn varieties suitable for local conditions.
However the work concentrated mainly on sweet corn
and popcorn varieties and was soon discontinued. In
1960 the government of East Pakistan tried to
popularize corn by ordering corn to be grown one very
vacant piece of land. Then in early1960s, the short high
yielding wheat and rice varieties were introduced
from CIMMYT a n d IRRI. Agricultural research and
promotional efforts focused on this crop and corn was
forgotten.
Research on corn was stimulated by the
establishment of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute (BARI) in 1976 initially with a Ford
program several studies were conducted on agronomic
and socio-economic aspects of corn production. Corn
promotion received further momentum when USAID
signed an agreement with the government of
Bangladesh in 1987 under PL480 title II in which it has
been agreed to mount campaign to introduce a new
self-targeting grain, corn, into the country's public food
distribution system. The unprecedented flood of 1987
and 1988 in Bangladesh provided additional
opportunity to promote corn. USAID provided 250 mt.
of corn seed in 1987 and UNDP provided 50 mt. of
corn seed in 1988 for distribution to selected corn
growers in the country under the country's post flood
agricultural rehabilitation program. In 1985 another
development took place. Bangladesh government
constituted a taskforce for the development of corn
research and cultivation in Bangladesh. The
Department of Agricultural Extension then launched a
corn production program in the 1987 kharif season as a
result of the taskforce recommendations to produce
corn in 1000 acres in 20 districts and demonstrate and
train farmers in corn production. In 1988 the taskforce
on corn developed the proposal for an integrated corn
development project which led to the current e f f o r t s
to expand corn cultivation in Bangladesh.

Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
 Islam et al…Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed
Corn is generally regarded as an inferior food
and therefore food for the poor and food during famine
in Bangladesh. If corn is introduced in large quantities
in the food market, at cheaper than rice and wheat
price, poor people would be more attracted to buy it
and the level of consumption of food and nutrients of
the poor would increase. Thus corn can be an important
means to attain food self-sufficiency crop to reduce
food gap of the poor and the country. It has high
potential to produce feed, food, fuel and industrial raw
material. Given appropriate support it can emerge as
the third most important crop after rice and wheat.
Should the crop occupy large areas in the marginal
farmers' fields it can also become a major source of
income for the poor.
Bangladesh is an agricultural and developing
country. Now a day’s agribusiness is growing up very
fast in Bangladesh. A number of national and
multinational companies have been established in
Bangladesh and they are producing poultry feed (Islam
et al., 2015a) by using local raw materials. Corn is one
of the important local raw materials (Islam et al.,
2015b; Bao et al., 2011; Shukla and Cheryan, 2001).
Corn is the third most important cereal after rice and
wheat in our country. Corn is used as main ingredient
(35-50%) in poultry feed (Marc et al., 2002; Sun et al.,
2012). Corn moisture content is related with storage
time and feed quality (Liu et al., 2013; McClements,
2007).
• Corn storage and usage standard at different
moisture
o ˂ 13.5% can keep more than 90 days.
o 13.5-14.0% can keep maximum 90
days.
o 14.0-14.5% have to use within 7
days.
o 14.5-15.0% have to use within 1 day.
o ˃15.0% must be dry.
• Currently some feed mill receiving corn
o Most received < 14.0% moisture
o Some received 14.1-14.5% moisture
• 14.5- 15.5% Directly use for pellet feed
production
Some critical noted point
• The corn crop is being harvested and if hitting
by rains which will damage the quality of corn.
• Monsoon rains make difficult to dry the high
moisture corn.
Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
25
• The amount of high moisture corns are
increasing.
• The company loss much money and time for
drying corn with dryer machine.
• The price of corn is low during harvest time and
after some period it becomes high.
• There are huge amount of high moisture corn in
the market. If feed producing company can
receive and use the high moisture corn directly
in the feed in the corn harvest season, then they
can save the money.
• Company will be benefited if they can use more
corn during harvest time without drying and
storing.
2. Materials and Method
2.1 Collection of Corn
Corn with three different moisture content
(14%, 15% and 16%) was collected from local farmer
at Rajshahi Division for comparable research. After
collection the actual moisture of the three different
specimens were checked out in the laboratory by
moisture tester (EE-KU) machine (Islam et al., 2015a).
Detailed information of the collected corn (Actual
moisture of the corn) are represented in the Table 1.The
collected corn was kept on the floor plate separately in
a safety and well ventilated godown. Temperature,
humidity and pest control were the important factor
that was carefully handles to maintain the research
findings. For storing the corn specimen (Shamsudeen et
al., 2013; Mader and Erickson, 2006; Mahanna, 2007),
gunny bags were used, so that air can easily pass
throughout the bag. Storing corn was properly labeled
by mentioning moisture and date for avoiding further
any confusion. Storing of the three different specimens
is represented in the Fig 1.
2.2 Grinding of Collected Corn
The collected corn were ground by grinding
machine using (6.0 x 8.0) mm net size with 1500 rpm
speed of hammer motor. Particle size of the grinding
corn was measured by standard sieving net and was
compared to the standard grinding particle size.
Grinding particles of the different specimen are
represented in the Table 2. The grinding particles and
physical appearance of the different specimen were
found to be normal for further feed production (Benton
et al., 2004; Cooper et al., 2002). The grinding
materials were kept separately with proper label on the
floor plate for checking the different parameter of corn
after seven days interval within a month (Defoor et al.,
2000; Prigge, 1976). Physical appearance of the -
 Islam et al…Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed

Fig 1: Collected corn with three different moisture content (Moisture check by EE-KU)

Table 1: Actual moisture content of collected corn

Item Corn Amount, Area Actual Moisture Moisture measured by

(Moisture) kg (%)

14% 1000 Rajshahi Division 14.1 EE-KU Moisture Tester

15% 1000 Rajshahi Division 15.2 EE-KU Moisture Tester
16% 1000 Rajshahi Division 16.2 EE-KU Moisture Tester

Table 2: Corn particle size after grinding

Research Net Particle Size (%)

Item RPM Knife
Size ON 4 ON 3 ON 2 ON 1 ON 0.7 ON 0.5 PASS 0.5
(mm) mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm.
%M-14 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 0.96 16.11 28.63 23.20 9.19 7.88 14.01
%M-15 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 0.64 13.63 30.59 25.53 8.92 5.40 15.27
%M-16 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 0.83 13.72 30.12 25.79 8.37 5.84 15.33

grinding corn of different moisture content are
represented in Fig 2.
2.3 Production of Feed by Using Three
Different Corn
Feeds (Mash and Pellet Feed) were produced
separately by using three different corn specimens and
were kept very carefully in separate gunny bag on floor
plate for checking different parameter after seven days
interval within a month. During production of both
feed, standard formulation and feed producing
parameters were maintained same as other normal feed
as usual. Other raw materials were previously ground
by the standard procedure as the requirements of the
finished goods (Young et al., 1982; Owens and Secrist,
1994). Mash feed and pellet feed particle size were
measured by standard sieving net and were compared
to the standard to maintain the quality of feed (Van
Koevering et al., 1994). Physical appearance of the
mash feed and pellet feed are represented in the Fig 3.
In the feed formulation, corn has been used about 35%
of total raw materials. Some other raw materials were
soybean meal, meat and bone meal, rice bran fine,
mustard meal etc. feed produced by different corn item
were kept separately with proper tag on different floor
plate for easy identification and evaluation of the
research findings. As the moisture is an important
factor (Briggs et al., 1999; Behnke, 1998; Mommerand
Ballantyne, 1991), the produced feed were kept very
much carefully to protect any type of contamination -

Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
26
 Islam et al…Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed

Fig 2: Grinding corn of three different moisture content

14% 15% 16%

Fig 3: Physical appearance of mash feed and pellet feed

and emulation.
3. Results and Discussion
Different parameter of both mash feed and
pellet feed for three separated corn item were compared
carefully with the standard to evaluate the actual
findings or output of the project research. Particle size
of corn and finished goods are represented in the
different table. Grinding corn moisture along with other
nutrient values were estimated to compare and ensure
the quality of finished goods. Effects of corn moisture
on the finished product within a month were observed.
3.1 Grinding Corn Particle
Physical appearance and particle size of
grinding raw material were check out to compare with
the standard parameters. Grinding corn particles are
found to be normal and are identical with the standards
which are represented in Table 2. Percent fine is also
reasonable in amount. Moisture fluctuations of
grinding corn with time duration are represented in the
Fig 4.
3.2 Mash Feed Particle
Mash feed particle was found normal and also
identical with the standard particle size. During mixing
of other raw materials, all parameters were same as
other feed production. For particle size measurement,
standard sieve (Seven pieces) was used and percentage
fine of feed was within the standard. Particle sizes are
represented in the Table 3.
3.3 Feed Processing Parameter
Feed processing parameters were same as other
standard feed during producing our research feed.
Different processing parameters are represented in the
Table 4. For about 16%, moisture has been observed
over standard. Normally 12% moisture in feed is
allowed by QC.
3.4 Pellet Feed Particle
Particle size of pellet feed was measured by
standard size of sieving net. There is no significant
change of particle size of the different items of feed.
Particle size data are represented in the Table 5. Pellet
feed moisture also observed with time; some
fluctuations are observed due to the environment
condition. Moisture content of pellet feed with time is

Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
27
 Islam et al…Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed

Table 3: Mash feed particle size

Research Net Feed Particle Size (%)

Item RPM Knife
Size ON 4 ON 3 ON 2 ON 1 ON 0.7 ON 0.5 PASS 0.5
(mm) mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm.
%M-14 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 1.11 9.78 31.11 18.67 7.33 9.33 22.67
%M-15 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 1.39 9.65 30.51 18.62 7.63 10.23 21.98
%M-16 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 1.53 9.50 30.09 19.63 6.96 9.86 22.39

Table 4: Feed processing parameters

Research Processing Temperature © Room Processing Moisture (%) Fine Pressure Die
Item Set Disp. Mixer Hot Hot Cool Temp Mixer Hot Hot Cool Pack % (Bar) (mm)
Cond. Pelt. Cond. Pelt.
%M-14 84.0 83.0 36.0 79.0 82.0 34.0 33.0 12.8 13.9 12.6 11.7 11.5 5.47 2.00 3.50
%M-15 84.0 83.0 34.0 80.0 81.0 35.0 35.0 13.5 14.5 13.4 12.8 12.7 5.71 2.00 3.50
%M-16 84.0 82.0 34.0 79.0 82.0 34.0 34.0 13.8 14.7 13.7 13.2 13.1 5.59 2.00 3.50

Table 5: Pellet feed particle size

Research Net Die Feed Particle Size (%)

Item RPM Knife Size Size ON 4 ON 3 ON 2 ON 1 ON 0.7 ON 0.5 PASS 0.5
(mm) (mm) mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm.
%M-14 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 3.50 4.12 78.25 6.48 5.68 1.77 1.35 2.36
%M-15 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 3.50 3.97 78.35 6.38 5.58 2.03 1.40 2.28
%M-16 1500 64 6.0 X 8.0 3.50 3.77 78.75 6.48 5.42 2.16 1.23 2.20

Table 6: Finished feed analysis data

Research % Moisture
Item EE-KU OVEN % CP % Ca
Temp./C Physical Smell
A B A B
14% 11.5 11.7 10.28 10.00 20.89 0.983 34.6 Normal Normal
15% 12.6 12.7 11.16 11.35 20.78 0.778 34.5 Normal Normal
16% 13.2 13.1 12.04 12.12 19.92 0.758 34.3 Normal Different

Table 7: Physical check-up of finish goods

Condition After 0 days After 7 days After 14 days After 21 days

14% 15% 16% 14% 15% 16% 14% 15% 16% 14% 15% 16%
Physical N N N N N N N N N N N Normal
Smell N N N N N N N N N N N Different
Temperature 31.5 31.2 32.1 31.1 31.0 32.5 30.7 30.9 32.9 30.5 30.7 32.7
Note: N= Normal condition; Different= Significant notification

represented in the Fig 5. For about 16%, moisture
stands over the standard (Std. 12% max.).
3.5 Analysis of Pellet Feed
Oven moisture along with other nutrients was
measured to compare with the standard data (Islam et
al., 2015a). All other nutrients are found to be normal
except moisture of the feed produced by the corn with
16% moisture. For about 16%, percentage of crude
protein and percentage of calcium are also observed.
Analysis data of nutrient values are represented in the
Table 6.

Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
28
 Islam et al…Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed

Fig 4: Moisture content of grinding corn with time

Fig 5: Moisture content of pellet feed with time

From Table 6, the analysis data is normal for
about 14% and 15% research item. But, for about the
16% research item, the value of crude protein and
calcium has been deviated from other two items or
normal value. The moisture content (Fairchild and
Greer, 1999; Benton et al., 2005) of feed which is the
important factor has also passed the tolerance limit.
Over content moisture cannot be passed by quality
control and also it creates a great problem during
storing of feed.
parameters, like as physical appearance, smell,
temperature etc. these parameters can be degraded with
time due to the raw materials quality. If raw materials
properly used then the feed quality will remain constant
up to two months. We have observed our producing
feed within a month (Owens et al., 1997; Stock et al.,
1991). After that, we felt an abnormality in terms of
smell of feed produced by corn with 16% moisture.
Other feed were quiet normal as like as standard feed.
Physical data are represented in the Table 7.

3.6 Physical Check-up of Pellet Feed 4. Conclusion

The feed quality is not only dependant on the According to the weather condition of
nutrient values but also depends on some other Bangladesh, huge amount of corn is produced during

Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
29
 Islam et al…Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed
the cultivation period, but due to the drying and storing
problem, both farmer and feed producing companies
face a problem for handling the high moisture corn.
Most of the feed producing companies buy maximum
12-13% moisture content of corn for storing and using
in their feed. So our research trend was to find out a
way to manage the high moisture corn. After 21 days
continuous observation of this research, we can
conclude some assumptions are as follows:
1. Corn with 14% moisture content can be used
in both pellet feed and mash feed without any
problem and also one can store this corn for
about one week without any difficulties.
2. Corn with 15% moisture content can be used
only in pellet feed, but have to be careful the
final moisture of finish feed.
References
Bao YM, Filer K, Sanomwattanawong J, Jantasila N, Pandey
H and Congsagul S (2011). In-vitro assessment of anti-
oxidative activities in rice bran, palm kernel meal,
soybean meal and corn feed ingredients. Proceedings of
the Australian Poultry Science Symposium, 22: 222-
225.
Behnke KC (1998). Why Pellet? Proceedings Kansas State
University/American Feed Industry Association. Pellet
Conference, Manhattan, KS.
Benton JR, Klopfenstein TJ and Erickson GE (2004). In situ
estimation of dry matter digestibility and degradable
intake protein to evaluate the effects of corn processing
method and length of ensiling. Journal of Animal
Science, 82(Suppl 1): 463.
Benton JR, Klopfenstein TJ and Erickson GE (2005). Effects
of corn moisture and length of ensiling on dry matter
digestibility and rumen degradable protein. Nebraska
Beef Report MP, 83A: 31-33.
Briggs JL, Maier DE, Watkins BA and Behnke KC (1999).
Effect of ingredients and processing parameters on
pellet quality. Poultry Science, 78: 1464-1471.
Cooper RJ, Milton CT, Klopfenstein TJ, Scott TL, Wilson
CB and Mass RA (2002). Effect of corn processing on
starch digestion and bacterial crude protein flow in
finishing cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 80: 797-
804.
Defoor PJ, Galyean ML, Cole NA and Jones OR (2000).
Effects of planting density and processing method on
laboratory characteristics of grain sorghum for
ruminants. Journal of Animal Science, 78: 2032-2038.
Fairchild F and Greer D (1999). Pelleting with precise mixer
moisture control. Feed International, 20(8): 32-36.
Islam MS, Haque MM and Hossain MS (2015a). Estimation
of moisture and crude protein content of locally
available raw materials for poultry feed. International
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research,
6(5):1000-07.doi:10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.6
(5).1000-07.
Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
30
3. Corn with 16% moisture content can not be
used in feed, because the moisture of both
mash and pellet feed over allowance level.
Moreover, it may create a problem during
storing time of feed.
5. Acknowledgement
We are very much grateful to the polymer and
pharmaceutical research laboratory of the Department
of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Rajshahi University, Central Science Laboratory of
Rajshahi University and Research Laboratory of
Poultry Feed Factory, Rajshahi, Bangladesh for
assisting to achieve the goal of this study. We are also
grateful to the teachers and some research students of
the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Rajshahi University.
Islam MS, Noor MA, Hossain MS, Saha KC and Seal H
(2015b). Chemical investigation of bioactive
compounds of black pepper. International Journal of
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 6(4): 1000-
06.doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.6 (4).1000-06.
Liu SY, Selle PH and Cowieson AJ (2013). The kinetics of
starch and nitrogen digestion regulate growth
performance and nutrient utilisation in coarsely-ground,
sorghum-based broiler diets. Animal Production
Science, 53(10): 1033-1040.
Mader T and Erickson G (2006). Feeding high moisture corn.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln. NebGuide G100.
Mahanna B (2007). Watch for changing starch digestibility.
Feedstuffs, 79(24): 12.
Marc A, Rubio R, Compa R and Casals I (2002). Comparison
of the Kjeldahl method and a combustion method for
total nitrogen determination in animal feed. Talanta,
57: 1019-1026.
McClements DJ (2007). Analysis of proteins. University of
Massachusetts Amherst. 04-27, Retrieved.
Mommer RP and Ballantyne DK (1991). Reasons for
pelleting. In: A Guide To Feed Pelleting Technology.
Hess and Clark, Inc., Ashland, OH. Pages 3-6
Owens FN and Secrist DS (1994). Memorias: Producion de
carne bovinaencorrales. Benemerita Universidad
Autonoma de Puebla.
Owens FN, Secrist DS, Hill WJ and Gill DR (1997). The
effect of grain source and grain processing on
performance of feedlot cattle: A review. Journal of
Animal Science, 75: 868-879.
Prigge EC (1976). Ensiling conditions and soluble nitrogen
and high moisture corn utilization. High Moisture
Grains Symposium. Oklahoma State University,
Stillwater, pages 76-92.
Shamsudeen P, Shrivastava HP, Singh R and Deo C (2013).
Effect of chelated and inorganic trace minerals on
aflatoxin synthesis in maize. Journal of Poultry Science
and Technology, 1(1): 13-16.
 Islam et al…Effect of Corn Moisture on the Quality of Poultry Feed

Shukla R and Cheryan ZM (2001). The industrial protein
from corn. Industrial Crops Production, 13: 171-192.
Stock RA, Sindt MH, Cleale-IV RM and Britton RA (1991).
High-moisture corn utilization in finishing cattle.
Journal of Animal Science, 69: 1645-1656.
Sun T, Liu Z, Qin L and Long R (2012). Aspects of lipid
oxidation of meat from free-range broilers consuming a
diet containing grasshoppers on alpine steppe of the
Tibetan Plateau. Poultry Science, 91: 224-231.
Van Koevering MT et al. (1994). Okla. Agr. Exp. Sta. Res.
Rep. MP 939:134.
Young B, Ilg H and Bolsen K (1982). High moisture corn
with additives for finishing rations. Cattlemen’s Day
82. Report of Progress 413. Kansas State University,
Manhattan. Pages 31-35.

Journal of Poultry Science and Technology | April-June, 2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 2 | Pages 24-31
© 2015 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
31

View publication stats