Overview
Maize (corn) is the most critical energy source used in feed mills worldwide, frequently making up 50% to 70% of the total volume in livestock and poultry diets. It is prized by nutritionists for its exceptionally high starch content, excellent digestibility, and consistency.
Applications
- Energy density — delivers highly digestible carbohydrates (starch) that provide the core caloric intake for growth and metabolism.
- Physical quality — gelatinisation of maize starch during conditioning and pelleting acts as a natural binder, creating durable, low-dust pellets.
- Pigmentation — yellow maize contains natural carotenoids (xanthophylls) that impart the desired golden colour to poultry skin and egg yolks.
Key Benefits
- Corn Gluten Meal (CGM) — a high-protein (~60%) by-product used extensively in poultry and aquaculture feeds for its amino acid profile and deep pigmentation.
- Corn Gluten Feed (CGF) — a medium-protein, high-fibre ingredient ideal for ruminant diets (beef and dairy cattle).
- Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) — a nutrient-dense by-product from ethanol production, rich in protein, fat, and yeast-derived vitamins.
- Corn Germ Meal — a fibre-rich product with moderate protein, used primarily in cattle and swine feeds.
Categories
Quality control checklist
- Moisture content — must be kept below 13.5%–14.0% to prevent fungal growth, heating, and spoilage during silo storage.
- Mycotoxin screening — mandatory testing for Aflatoxin, Fumonisin, and Vomitoxin, which are highly toxic to livestock.
- Bulk density / test weight — low test weight indicates poorly filled, low-starch kernels with reduced nutritional value.
- Foreign matter — broken kernels and foreign material (BKFM) must be minimised to prevent handling issues and mould acceleration.