Resources

Paper: The effect of Grain Prep® Processing Aid on feed quality of flaked corn

The study investigated the effect of Grain Prep Processing Aid (GP) and hot flake aging time on starch characteristics and ruminal DM and starch degradability of steam-flaked corn grain. The moisture content of corn was automatically adjusted using the Grain Prep Auto Delivery System® to 19.8% (Experiment 1) and 18.5% (Experiment 2). Control corn was treated with water alone.

In Experiment 1, compared with the control, GP increased the soluble fraction and effective degradability (ED) of dry matter by 17.2% and 8.6%, respectively. In Experiment 2, the concentration of soluble DM and starch were increased by GP by 15% and 24% compared with the control.

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Article: Is feed moisture variable or controlled nutrient?

Processing grain adds value to feed. Results from several studies at Kansas State University show how to improve processing to get the best results when pelleting. If moisture is precisely controlled and properly selected for the feed being pelleted, production rates will increase, power consumption will decrease and a better-quality pellet will be produced.

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Case Study: Speeding Up Moisture Monitoring in Feed Supplement Production

QualiTech Inc., a producer of livestock feed supplements, had been oven testing product samples to determine moisture levels, a process that could take an hour or more. The time required left them constantly “behind the curve” and unable to control the potency of their product. When batches were too dry, crushing equipment could produce dust instead of granules. They turned to AgriChem for a flat plate sensor that could quickly determine moisture levels in just 30 seconds right on the production floor. Drying the product to a constant moisture level keeps potency consistent and particle size uniform and has improved the plant environment by reducing the amount of dust in the air. It also reduces fuel costs by eliminating energy-wasting over-drying.

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Technical Overview of Capacitive Moisture Measurement

Capacitance is a widely accepted method for measuring moisture in grain and other particulates. The particulate material acts as a dielectric, and its effect on an electric field varies with its moisture content. The process is theoretically simple, but making it work in actual practice is more complex. Accuracy depends on sensor geometry, power supply frequency, the way the particulate is handled and presented to the system and calibration of the equipment.

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