MAIZE

Description

Maize is the principal energy source used in poultry diets in most of the countries because of its high-energy value, palatability, presence of pigments and essential fatty acids.It contains highest amount of energy (ME 3350 kcal/kg) among cereal grains. It has 8-13% of crude protein.It has high TDN of 85-90%.Maize has low fiber content and is highly palatable.Extremely low in calcium and deficient in vitamin B12 but fair in phosphorus content.Yellow maize provides carotene and xanthophylls pigments for colouration of egg yolk, poultry fat and skin when it is used at 30% and above in the diet.Maize is an excellent source of linoleic acid which contributes for egg size, and maize protein is mainly deficient in tryptophan and lysine. Damaged, immature and improperly stored maize having higher moisture content is prone to aspergillus flavus infestation and produces aflatoxin. Supplementation of toxin binders in diet containing damaged maize grain is essential to minimize the risk of mycotoxins problem.Organic acids should be added to the maize while storing, if the moisture content in the grain is higher than 16%.When the maize is used at >30% in pellet diet, supplementation of pellet binders, molasses, rice bran or oil is required for better quality of pellet.Maize can be included upto 70% in poultry ration.