| Maize Germ Meal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Introduction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Referred to as hominy feed in the US. The
by product of oil manufacture, obtained by pressing/extraction
of dry or wet maize germ to which parts of the endosperm
and testa may still adhere. As the name implies, these
are the dried germs from maize after the oil has been
extracted. Maize germ meal is a by-product from either the wet milling of maize, produced after the initial grinding and separation, or from the production of corn, often in the production of cornflakes and lager. When wet milling maize, the germs (being 50% oil) are removed early in the process. The oil is either expelled or extracted and the removal rate will determine what is left in the meal. There are two main types of maize germ meal: high (14%+) and low oil (5%). In some production plants, the maize germ meal is added back to the maize fibre/maize gluten feed. |
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| Origin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UK, USA. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nutritional Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quality depends on manufacturing process but generally ideal for all classes of livestock. The amount of bran remaining and residual oil level can affect suitability for ruminant and non ruminant feeds. Quite high in starch, energy and protein with good amino acid balance. High oil products are not suitable for ruminant feed. The oil is free unsaturated and could be detrimental to rumen function if sot formulated correctly The low calcium content makes it suitable for feeding to dry cows. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colour/Texture | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pale yellow/tan oily meal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Palatability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highly palatable. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limits on Usage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High oil maize germ can produce soft fat in pigs and reduce fibre digestion in ruminants if fed for long periods. It can also cause scouring. Lower oil products have few limits to usage. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recommended Maximum Inclusion Rates % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Handling/Storage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Will go mouldy and rancid if stored for long periods. The oil present, can oxidize leading to active peroxides in the feed which can lead to reduced levels of vitamin E levels. It is also prone to heating when stored for long periods. |