A usual complaint that comes from corn buyers is the presence of fines and broken kernels. In fact, it’s the number one concern of international buyers when comparing U.S. corn to other sources. Harvesting and drying are major contributors to breakage potential of any corn hybrid regardless of their original “brittleness.” Combines, for example, inflict variable damage to the kernels that can either be apparent or hidden as small cracks.
Damaged kernels suffer additional physical stress during transport and repeated auger loading and unloading. In addition, drying at higher temperatures and shorter times causes kernel stress-cracks, potentially resulting in further grain deterioration and more broken particles. Broken corn, in turn, is more susceptible to mold and insect damage than whole kernels, and it can cause problems in handling and processing.
Do fines impact nutritive value?
Corn grain has a high concentra tion of energy-yielding nutrients. Of these nutrients, starch dominates by weight, constituting roughly 73% of the total, followed by protein (8%) and oil (4%). Because of these proportions, starch content has the greatest effect on the energy value of corn.
Starch is composed of glucose units linked in linear or branched chains (of easier degradation). These two different types of starch are labeled vitreous (glass-like) and floury endo sperm. Just remember that glass-like refers to its translucid appearance and not that it breaks easily! Ruminal starch digestibility of floury endo sperm has been reported to be 32% greater compared to vitreous corn.
Continue reading this article published in Hoard’s Dairyman.
