One of the main ingredients of feed formulas, being particularly appreciated for its high-energy value, palatability, low variability of its chemical composition and low content of anti-nutritional factors.
Corn grains contain an average of 83% endosperm weight, 11% of germ and 6% pericarp. About 50% of the endosperm is denser and with higher protein content than floury endosperm. The proportion of dense endosperm is higher in hard and popcorn type kernels. The high proportion of dense endosperm is the main reason why corn is poorly fermentable by the rumen.
Corn is the cereal grain with the highest energy value, due to its high starch and fat content, and its low fiber level. The average proportion of amylose and amylopectin is 25:75 but in varieties of the waxy type, the proportion of amylopectin reaches almost 100%. Like other cereals, corn is deficient in calcium, sodium, trace minerals and water-soluble vitamins.
The inclusion of corn negatively affects the quality of the granule, due to the glassy structure of the grain. However, its use in poultry meal feeds improves the structure of the feed and its fluidity, both in the factories and on the farms.