steam flaking corn feed production line
steam flaked corn feed production line
steam corn flake feed production line
steam flaking and how it’s being used in animal feed. Steam flaking improves things like starch digestion and improves animal growth.
Steam-flaked corn (SFC) is commonly fed in feedlot finishing diets because steam flaking improves starch availability and nutrient utilization, thus improving the overall feeding value of corn (Zinn et al., 2002). In most operations that use SFC, grain is processed to a predetermined flake density by setting the rolls to a specific separation distance and using tension to hold rolls together. Flaked grain is generally produced to a bulk density between 0.31 kg/L (24 lb/ bu) and 0.41 kg/L (32 lb/bu; Owens et al., 1997), with an average recommendation of 0.35 kg/L (27 lb/bu) for corn (Vasconcelos and Galyean, 2007); however, flake density among steam flakers within a single mill and among feedlots can vary greatly. Flaking to a similar density using 2 flakers does not ensure similar starch availability (Armbruster, 2006).
The degree of starch gelatinization or starch availability of SFC can be estimated using analytical procedures such as enzymatic hydrolysis, gas production, and SFC gelatinization methods (Vasconcelos and Galyean, 2007). Routinely evaluating starch availability is used as a quality control method to standardize the steam-flaking process to ensure within-day and day-to-day manufacturing consistency. The concentration of readily available starch in SFC is indicative of the rate of starch fermentation in the rumen. When starch is too readily available and is fermented at an excessively rapid rate, acid can accumulate in the rumen, reducing ruminal pH, and ultimately resulting in increased prevalence of digestive disturbances.
Factors that contribute to variation between feedlot operations with respect to SFC quality include type and dimensions of flaking equipment, grain type, grain variety and moisture content, roll wear, and steam-flaking procedures. Sampling and handling procedures contribute to precision of results; therefore, sampling procedures need special attention, and consistency must be evaluated when attempting to determine starch availability of SFC.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate starch availability of SFC comparing roll dimensions and SFC flake densities among flaking systems, to provide information on equipment used and SFC flaking procedures, and to define current manufacturing practices of steam flaking in commercial feedlot operations.
