After rice and wheat, corn is India’s third-most important field crop. Accounting for 10% of total food grain production in the country, India ranks sixth largest in corn production and fourth largest in terms of acreage in the world.
The ever-growing human population, rising income, and consequent growth in meat consumption have demanded more cereal production. The ability of new corn varieties to produce higher yield and their capacity to grow in different seasons has led farmer’s interest to divert field for corn production rather than other cereal grains in many parts of the country. Globally corn is referred to as “Queen of Cereals” due to many positive attributes in agricultural production.
Corn was initially cultivated during the “Kharif” season. An experiment with “Rabi” corn in Bihar and some southern states during the early 1960’s brought higher yields and fewer pest attacks and thus gradually popularising the cultivation of “Rabi” corn in many states.
Corn is principal energy source used in poultry diets because of its high metabolizable energy, palatability, presence of pigments, and essential fatty acids.
In early May month, Alltech conducted corn crop quality assessment survey by collecting samples from field, farms, and mandis in several districts of Bihar, one of the major Rabi corn producing states.
The assessment revealed that the samples tested had an average moisture percentage of 15.56, with a relatively bigger corn size but an average crude protein of 7.46%. It is suggested that feed producers must check protein level of corn consignments and adjust the feed formula to get desired protein levels in complete feed.
It was also observed that all samples were very high in mould count and producers must have a close watch during storage of current corn crop.
The mycotoxin testing revealed that 72% of samples were positive for all five mycotoxins tested – Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin, Fumonosin, T2, DON, and Zearalenone. 100% of samples were positive for four mycotoxins.
“The high mould count is alarming for producers and survey enables them to foresee the challenge of mycotoxins in their feed,” said Dr. Aman Sayed, Managing Director – India, Regional Director – South Asia. “Producers are advised to pay attention to mould and mycotoxin management with the help of quality solutions.”
Emphasizing the fact that “multiple mycotoxins is a reality”, Dr. Lokesh Gupta, Sr. Regional Technical Manager – Poultry (South Asia) said,” Hundreds of mycotoxins have been identified and most animal feedstuffs and feed are likely to be contaminated with multiple mycotoxins under practical farming and storage conditions. Moulds and mycotoxins are major threat to productivity even in best-run livestock production systems and their detection as well as control should be every feed producer’s priority”. He recommended Alltech® Rapiread™ for the effective detection of various mycotoxins. Scan the QR code below to view the complete documentary covering the Alltech Rabi Corn Quality Assessment Survey.
Contact:
Dr. Manish Chaurasia, Marketing Manager, South Asia
mchaurasia@alltech.com; +91 8130890989
About Alltech:
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our products improve the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for consumers and a decreased environmental impact.
We are a global leader in the animal health industry, producing specialty ingredients, premix, and complete feed. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens.
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