AMES, Iowa – Corn is a major ingredient in swine diets (ranging from 70 to 88% on a weight basis), which makes corn the primary energy source for most swine rations. The quality of the corn in these rations can impact animal performance and other management considerations.

A new publication from Iowa Pork Industry Center, Corn Quality – Concerns When Grain Does Not Reach Maturity, offers preharvest, harvest and postharvest considerations for swine producers who grow their own corn and manufacture feed on-farm, as well as for nutritionists and feed mills. Iowa State University extension swine specialist Mark Storlie is the author. He said the content offers good reminders especially during times of environmental stress or shortened growing seasons.

“Grain which does not reach maturity or is stressed during the growing season due to weather, nutrients, disease, or weed competition may be more prone to quality issues,” he said. “Awareness of factors impacting corn quality from field to feed and feed trial research may lead to better management decision.”

The publication begins with a review of development of the corn kernel and how broken kernels and foreign matter, including mold and mycotoxins, can affect various quality factors. Summarized results from research trials on low-test weight effect on performance, correlation with energy level, and factors influencing corn test weight also are included.

Download the seven-page pdf publication IPIC 200 at no charge from the ISU Extension store.

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IPIC was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Veterinary Medicine at ISU. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to ISU Extension and Outreach. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.