High moisture corn an extended preservation trial with ammonia
1978
Peplinski, A.J. | Brekke, O.L. | Bothast, R.J. | Black, L.T.
Shelled maize with 23% m.c. was stored for 14 months in a 2.4 X 1.8 X 2.4 m closed box constructed of 1.9 cm thick plywood. A false bottom of hardware cloth and expanded metal mesh allowed circulation of an ammonia-air mixture. Before storage the cleaned maize was ammoniated in a stainless-steel auger by spraying with a 19% (w.w.) solution in water, at a rate of 1.02% ammonia (d.b.). Anhydrous ammonia applications at 0.26-0.51% (d.b.) were made 28, 67, 111, 242 and 297 days after initial ammoniation, by circulation through the maize bed using an external blower. Total ammonia addition was 3.04% (d.b.). The maize was sampled regularly and analyzed for microbial activity, chemical changes and physical condition. Mould growth was eliminated and bacterial counts were lowered. During the first 10 days' storage, grain temperature rose from 20 to 39 deg C and was then lowered by aeration; subsequent grain temperatures were 20-47 deg C as ambient air varied between 16 and 39 deg C. The percentage of non-protein nitrogen increased by 0.68 which may be beneficial in feeding ruminants. Fat and non-reducing sugar content was lowered possibly due to bacterial activity. The procedure described may be suitable for short-term storage (2-4 wk) of high m.c. maize.
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