Sources Of Corn Research Articles

Sources of corn for ethanol production in the United States: a decomposition analysis of the empirical data

AbstractThe use of corn for ethanol production in the United States quintupled between 2001 and 2009, generating concerns that this could lead to the conversion of forests and grasslands around the globe, known as indirect land‐use change (iLUC). Estimates of iLUC and related ‘food versus fuel’ concerns rest on the assumption that the corn used for ethanol production in the United States would come primarily from displacing corn exports and land previously used for other crops. A number of modeling efforts based on these assumptions have projected significant iLUC from the increases in the use of corn for ethanol production. The current study tests the veracity of these assumptions through a systematic decomposition analysis of the empirical data from 2001 to 2009. The logarithmic mean divisia index decomposition method (Type I) was used to estimate contributions of different factors to meeting the corn demand for ethanol production. Results show that about 79% of the change in corn used for ethanol production can be attributed to changes in the distribution of domestic corn consumption among different uses. Increases in the domestic consumption share of corn supply contributed only about 5%. The remaining contributions were 19% from added corn production, and –2% from stock changes. Yield change accounted for about two‐thirds of the contributions from production changes. Thus, the results of this study provide little support for large land‐use changes or diversion of corn exports because of ethanol production in the United States during the past decade. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is extremely sensitive to the feed-borne Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON)

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a Fusarium mycotoxin, is a major contaminant of cereal grains worldwide. The effects of feeding six diets containing low, graded levels of DON from two naturally contaminated sources of corn on the performance, health and apparent nutrient digestibility of rainbow trout were investigated. Feeding diets with increasing levels of DON (0.3, 0.8, 1.4, 2.0 and 2.6ppm) for eight weeks to rainbow trout (initial weight=24g/fish) resulted in significant linear or quadratic decreases in feed intake, weight gain, growth rate (expressed as thermal-unit growth coefficient, TGC), feed efficiency (FE, gain:feed), retained nitrogen (RN), recovered energy (RE), energy retention efficiency (ERE), and nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE). Fish pair-fed the control diet (0.3ppm DON) had significantly higher TGC (P<0.01), FE (P<0.0001) and whole body crude protein (CP) concentration (P<0.01) compared to their counterparts fed the diet containing 2.6ppm DON. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of CP and gross energy (GE) of fish fed diets containing 0.3 (control) to 2.0ppm DON. In addition, some morphological changes of the liver were noted in fish fed the diet containing 2.6ppm DON. These results suggest that, relative to other species, rainbow trout are extremely sensitive to DON from naturally contaminated grains and that the effects of DON on rainbow trout are not simply related to a reduction of feed intake, but rather, are due to metabolic effects. More research is required to identify the specific mechanism(s) of toxicity of DON in rainbow trout.

Biological Effect of Naturally Occurring Mycotoxins Fed to Poults Reared to 21 Days of Age

3 Abstract: A trial was conducted to observe potential changes in turkey poults reared to 21 d by feeding diets with naturally occurring mycotoxins. Two sources of corn, one each with Aflatoxin (AFL) and Deoxynevalenol (DON), were obtained. Treatments (T) were: 1) clean corn (C), 2) AFL (A), 3) DON (D) and 4) ½A+½D (AD). A marker (celite, 1.5%) was added for 21 d AMEn determination. A basal ration with ingredients except corn was mixed. The basal and corn were mixed for T feeds. Feed was pelleted and crumbled. Male poults were placed into 24 pens in petersyme batteries (7 birds/pen; 6 pens/T). Feed consumption, by pen and BW were determined by wk. At 21 d, birds were euthanized. Heart (H), spleen (S), gizzard (G), liver (L) and bursa of fabricious (B) were weighed and Breast Muscle (BM) collected for color analysis. Light microscopic analysis of HE AD = 2,758±29). Relative (R) S weight of D (0.11) fed birds was reduced versus A (0.14) but not C or AD (0.12, 0.13±0.006 g/g). The RL weight of birds fed A (2.26) and AD (2.52) were reduced versus C (2.68±0.07g/g). The A fed birds had reduced SA (by OD). Mortality, RH, RB and RG weights, G score and BM colors were not affected. There were no differences in AB. The L of the A fed birds had hepatic parenchyma with diffuse degenerative changes. The hepatocytic nuclei were swollen and had condensed nucleoli. Some hepatic cords had hepatocyte necrosis. There was some sinusoidal congestion with dilatation/congestion of few central veins. These lesions were suggestive of aflatoxin toxicity. The effects of AFL and DON in this study were reflective of what has been reported in the literature. Feeding naturally occurring mycotoxins to poults can be used as a model to study interventions.

Who provided maize to Chaco Canyon after the mid-12th-century drought?

Between A.D. 1181 and 1200, in the early part of a climatically wet period, corn was imported to Chaco Canyon from a region outside the Chaco Halo (defined in this paper as the region between the base of the Chuska Mountains and Raton Wells). Strontium-isotope ( 87Sr/ 86Sr) analyses of 12 corn cobs dating to this period match 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios from five potential source areas, including: the Zuni region, the Mesa Verde-McElmo Dome area, the Totah, the Defiance Plateau, and Lobo Mesa. The latter two areas were eliminated from consideration as possible sources of corn in that they appear to have been unpopulated during the time period of interest. Therefore, it appears that the corn cobs were imported from the Zuni region, the Mesa Verde-McElmo Dome area, or the Totah area during a time when the climate was relatively wet and when a surplus of corn was produced in regions outside Chaco Canyon. Based on proximity to and cultural affiliation with Chaco Canyon, it is hypothesized that the corn probably was imported from the Totah.

Performance of growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing Roundup Ready corn (event nk603), a nontransgenic genetically similar corn, or conventional corn lines

Two studies were conducted at two locations to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing either glyphosate-tolerant Roundup Ready (event nk603) corn, a nontransgenic genetically similar control corn (RX670), or two conventional sources of nontransgenic corn (RX740 and DK647). A randomized complete block design (three and four blocks in Studies 1 and 2, respectively) with a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments (two genders and four corn lines) was used. Study 1 used 72 barrows and 72 gilts (housed in single-gender groups of six; six pens per dietary treatment) with initial and final BW of approximately 22 and 116 kg, respectively. Study 2 used 80 barrows and 80 gilts (housed in single-gender groups of five; eight pens per dietary treatment) with initial and final BW of approximately 30 and 120 kg, respectively. Pigs were housed in a modified open-front building in Study 1 and in an environmentally controlled finishing building in Study 2. The test corns were included at a fixed proportion of the diet in both studies. Animals had ad libitum access to feed and water. Pigs were slaughtered using standard procedures and carcass measurements were taken. In Study 1, overall ADG, ADFI (as-fed basis), and gain:feed (G:F) were not affected (P > 0.05) by corn line. In Study 2, there was no effect of corn line on overall ADFI (as-fed basis) or G:F ratio. In addition, overall ADG of barrows fed the four corn lines did not differ (P > 0.05); however, overall ADG of gilts fed corn DK647 was greater (P < 0.05) than that of pigs fed the other corn lines. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of corn line on carcass yield or fatness measurements in either study. Differences between barrows and gilts for growth and carcass traits were generally similar for both studies and in line with previous research. Overall, these results indicate that Roundup Ready corn (nk603) gives equivalent animal performance to conventional corn for growing pigs.

Comparison of yellow dent and nutridense corn hybrids for nursery pig diets

A total of 315 nursery pigs (initially 33.5 lb) were used in a 21-d growth assay to compare relative energy values of ‘Nutridense’ and ‘Nutridense Low Phytate’ corn compared to Yellow Dent corn. Dietary treatments consisted of a 3 × 3 factorial with three sources of corn with 0, 3, or 6% added fat. Increasing the energy density of the diet with added fat or higher energy corn varieties (Nutridense or Nutridense-LP corn) linearly improved feed efficiency. The linear improvement in feed efficiency allowed us to calculate the energy content of the Nutridense corn varieties relative to Yellow Dent corn. We determined that the ME values published by the University of Illinois indicating that Nutridense and Nutridense Low Phytate corn contain approximately 6.5 and 4% more energy, respectively, than normal Yellow Dent corn are appropriate for diet formulation.

Variability among sources and laboratories in nutrient analyses of corn and soybean meal. NCR-42 Committee on Swine Nutrition. North Central Regional-42.

A cooperative research study involving members of a regional committee (North Central Regional Committee on Swine Nutrition [NCR-42]) was conducted to assess the variability in nutrient composition (DM, CP, Ca, P, Se, and amino acids) of corn and soybean meal from 16 sources (15 states, mostly in the Midwest) and to assess the analytical variability in nutrient assays among 22 laboratories (labs; 16 experiment station labs and six commercial labs). Corn samples were obtained from each participating station's feed mill during a 3-yr period (1989, 1990, and 1992), as were soybean meal samples during a 2-yr period (1989 and 1990). Both regular soybean meal (with hulls) and dehulled soybean meal were represented in the study. Samples were analyzed for DM and CP by all 22 labs, for Ca and P by 15 labs, for amino acids by 10 labs, and for Se by 6 labs. Each lab used its own analytical procedures. Samples of corn and soybean meal varied in their nutrient composition depending on the area of origin. The greatest variation among sources was in Se concentration, ranging from .02 to .29 mg/kg in corn and .08 to .95 mg/kg in soybean meal. Crude protein and lysine in corn were positively correlated, but the regression coefficient was low (r2 = .49). The relationship between CP and lysine for the two soybean meals combined was considerably stronger (r2 = .81). Lysine in corn increased by .018 percentage point and lysine in soybean meal (regular and dehulled combined) increased by .063 percentage point for each 1 percentage point increase in CP. Except for CP and Se, the analytical variability among labs was as great as, and in some cases greater than, the variability in nutrient composition among sources of corn and soybean meal. Within-lab analytical variability tended to be less than among-lab variability. Some labs performed certain analyses with considerably less variability and more accuracy than others.

Utilization of High-Oil Corn in Diets for Broiler Chickens

Two trials of similar experimental design were conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler chicken on diets containing high oil corn (HOC) or yellow dent corn (YDC). Diets contained fixed levels of 0, 2, 4, and 6% supplemental poultry oil and were formulated to optimum nutrient density; therefore, diets containing HOC were higher in energy than diets with YDC. Mail broilers fed diets with HOC weighed more and were more efficient in converting their feed to gain than those fed diets with YDC; however, the energy utilization of each diet was similar. There were no significant differences in dressing percentage between birds fed diets with HOC or YDC; however, birds fed diets with HOC had less (P≤.05) abdominal fat than those fed diets with YDC. Drip loss during cooking of thigh meat was less (P≤.05) in broilers fed diets with HOC. Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue was affected by both source of corn and level of supplemental poultry oil; both sources of corn influenced fatty acid composition in a similar manner. Results indicate that HOC can support good performance of broiler chickens with the capability of providing higher energy diets without increasing the level of supplemental fats.

Chemical and nutrient content of corn (Zea mays) before and after being flame roasted

AbstractSamples were collected before and after corn (Zea mays L) was flame roasted on several farms in southwestern Ontario. Seven sources of corn were sampled during one field trip and three during another. After passing through a propane flame, the roasted corn was cooled to ambient temperature within ∼ 15 min. All samples were ground (1 mm screen) and analysed. The true metabolisable energy, corrected to zero N balance (TMEn), true available amino acids (TAAA) and true DM digestibility were determined on the first collection of samples using adult White Leghorn cocks.The temperature of the corn as it left the roasting unit ranged from 110 to 140°C. The dry matter content was higher (P &lt; 0.05) and the 100‐kernel weight and mould count were lower (P &lt; 0.01 and P &lt; 0.05, respectively) for the roasted than for the non‐roasted corn. Among the seven sources the N content of the roasted corn was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than that of the non‐roasted corn; among the other three sources the N content was similar. The zearalenone and free ergosterol contents were lower in the roasted than in the non‐roasted corn, though the differences were not significant (P &gt; 0.05). Roasting had little or no effect on TMEn, TAAA and true dry matter digestibilities or on the carbohydrate and fibre fractions of the corn samples. These and other reported data indicate that flame roasting of corn is an effective procedure for the removal of moulds without affecting the nutrient content and bioavailability of the roasted material.

Response to lime and P by several genetic sources of corn (Zsa maysL.) on a low pH and P soil in the greenhouse1

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the response of 16 different genetic sources of corn (Zea mays L.) to lime and P application on a low pH and P Parsons silt loam soil in the greenhouse. A highly significant lime x P interaction was found for both dry matter production and P concentration. Phosphorus increased both dry matter production and P content of plant tissues with or without lime application. However, liming produced a detrimental effect when P was applied but no effect when no P was applied. Corn genetic sources showed a highly significant interaction with P treatment, but not with lime for both dry matter production and P concentration. The results suggest that improvement in corn growth could be achieved in a low P soil environment by genetic selection.

Response of Several Genetic Sources of Corn to Acidic Soil1

AbstractPlants differ in their ability to take up nutrients. Developing genotypes efficient in utilizing nutrients from acid or low nutrient soils would aid in growing crops successfully when mineral supplementation is not feasible. This study was conducted in the greenhouse using mine spoil soil of initial pH 3.9 with variables of genetic sources of corn (Zea mays L.) and lime rates. Genetic source variability was more pronounced under stress conditions (low pH) than under nonstress conditions. The genetic sources PI270083, PI270080, and Va17 showed higher tolerance to acidic conditions than others. Inbred C105, highly susceptible to low pH, showed the most visual root damage as well as the lowest relative dry matter yield. Aluminum concentration in the plant tissue did not vary significantly with lime level; however, exchangeable Al in the soil decreased drastically as the level of lime application increased. Manganese in the plant tissue and in the soil (DTPA extractable) both decreased with increased lime rate. Dry matter yield decreased significantly at 16 500 kg ha−1 of lime compared with 8000 kg ha−1. Phosphorus concentration decreased in the plant as well as in the soil (Bray P‐1 extractable) at 16 500 kg ha−1 lime, which could have been a factor in reduced yield. Genetic source by lime interaction was significant for Ca, Mg, Al, and Mn concentration indicating that selection under different pH levels would be productive.

Fermented Ammoniated Condensed Whey as a Crude Protein Source for Feedlot Cattle

Four feeding trials were conducted to evaluate fermented ammoniated condensed whey (FACW) as a crude protein (CP) supplement for finishing cattle fed corn silage or corn-corn silage diets. In the first trial, when 40% corn:60% corn silage diets contained 0, 3.5, 7.0 and 14.0% FACW (dry matter basis), daily dry matter intakes by yearling Hereford steers (290 kg) were 7.16, 8.23, 8.90 and 8.52 kg/head (P>.10), respectively. In trial 2, the addition of soybean meal, FACW or urea as a CP supplements for corn silage or 40% corn:60% corn silage diets increased rates of gain (P<.01) by Charolais × Hereford calves (260 kg) over those obtained with similar diets not supplemented with a CP source. Feed efficiency was improved by an average of 34 and 12%, respectively, in comparison to that of unsupplemented steers, when corn silage and corn-corn silage diets were supplemented with CP. Trial 3 involved 96 yearling Hereford steers (338 kg) fed 60% corn: 40% corn silage diets. There were six protein supplement treatments (no supplement, 2.45% FACW, 4.85% FACW, 7.05% FACW, 1% urea and 6.58% soybean meal) and two sources of S (sodium sulfate and calcium sulfate). S source had no effect on feedlot performance or carcass traits. Pooled daily gains with the protein treatments were 1.17, 1.29, 1.33, 1.37, 1.29 and 1.42 kg/head (P<.01), respectively. Feed efficiencies tended to be greater for FACW and soybean meal-supplemented steers than for urea-supplemented or control steers. No differences in carcass traits were observed among steers fed different protein supplements. In trial 4, 48 yearling Hereford steers (299 kg) were fed three levels of FACW (0, 2.8 and 5.6% of dry matter) and two sources of corn (high wax or regular yellow dent) in 60% corn: 40% corn silage finishing diets. Source of corn did not influence feedlot performance or carcass traits. When data were pooled, the level of FACW did not affect (P>.05) daily gains, but carcass fat thickness and yield grade were greater (P<.05) for steers supplemented with FACW. The results of these trials suggest that FACW is comparable to soybean meal as a CP source for cattle fed corn silage or corn-corn silage finishing diets.

Feeding Value of Dry, Ensiled, and Acid Treated High Moisture Corn Fed Whole or Rolled to Lactating Cows

To compare the feeding value of ensiled and acid treated high moisture corn fed whole or rolled with dry corn fed whole or rolled, 48 lactating cows were assigned to six groups in a 3×2 factorial design and each group was fed one of six diets: (1) whole or (2) rolled dry corn and forage; (3) whole or (4) rolled ensiled corn and forage; and (5) whole or (6) rolled propionic acid treated corn and forage. All diets were supplemented with a protein, mineral, and vitamin mixture to meet the cows daily nutrient requirements. Equal quantities of dry matter from dry, ensiled, and acid treated corn were offered in the ratio of 1kg of concentrate (dry corn and supplement equivalent) for each 2.75kg of milk produced. Hay and haylage were offered free choice in a 1:3 ratio. Dry matter intake, milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk production, milk fat percentage, and solids-not-fat percentage did not differ significantly between sources of corn (dry, ensiled, acid treated). Rolling corn before feeding to lactating cows improved nutrient availability and increased milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk production, and solids-not-fat content of milk. Milk fat percentage was not affected significantly due to rolling the corn. Thus, corn preserved by any of these methods and fed to lactating cows on an equal dry matter basis will produce normal quantities of milk with a normal composition. Rolling corn increased milk yield about 2kg per cow per day. The monetary benefit of rolling corn will be dependent on the cost of rolling the corn.

Selection of High Lysine Corn Using a Scanning Electron Microscope1

Several inbred sources of corn (Zea mays L.), including high‐lysine modified opaque‐2 lines with hard, translucent endosperm and normal hard, translucent endosperm phenotypes were examined with a scanning electron microscope. Zein bodies were observed in the protein matrix of the normal corn phenotype. Placing samples in 70% ethanol and observing voids produced confirmed that the bodies contained zein. Samples from modified opaque2 lines known to be high in lysine did not show elaborate patterns of voids in the rotein matrix after ethanol treatment. It was concluded that a scanning electron microscope is an excellent tool to identify endosperms with low zein and potentially more lysine.

Trypsin Inhibitors of Corn (Zea mays)

Trypsin inhibitors of three genotypic sources of corn were iso lated. Gel electrophoresis after chromatography on Sephadex G75 and CM-cellulose resolved the inhibitors of normal, opaqu*2, and floury-2 corns into 2, 3, and 4 or more bands, respectively. All inhibitors were slowly inactivated by heat, but that of normal corn was appreciably more stable than the others. Normal and opaqub2 inhibitors were competitive iIl action, while flourn,r-2 was noncompetitive. The data indicate that corn trypsin inhibitor may consist of multiple components, the number depending on the genetic compOSitiOrI of the corn. Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci., 76 (4), 1973. The grain of corn possesses antitryptic activity (10), with most of the activity located in the endosperm (5). Inhibitory activity of endosperm of corn containing the opaque-2 gene is much greater than that of normal corn endosperm, while that of floury-2 is least (5). The trypsin inhibitor of immature sweet corn was isolated and shown to consist of two inhibitory components (1). Mies and Hymowitz (8) used disc electrophoresis of crude soybean extracts to show that some species contained two inhibitory components while others contained three. Hence, some of the differences between inhibitory activity of normal, opaque-2, and floury-2 corn may result from variation in inhibitory components. The problem was studied by isolating and examining the inhibitors of the endosperm of a normal, hard-starch corn and of opaque-2 and floury-2 strains. Melhods One kilogram of corn seed was finely ground and extracted several times with acetone to remove lipids. The powder was extracted twice by suspending it in 0.2 M NaCl and agitating for 12 hrs at 4° C. Ihe extracts were combined, adjusted to pH 8 with NaOH, and centrifuged at 5000 g for 20 minates. (NH)2SO was added to 40% saturation, and after 18 hrs at 4° the precipitate was collected by centrifugation at 12,000 g for 30 minutes. The precipitate was dissolved in 0.2 M NaCl, and the solution was dialyzed against distilled water for 48 hrs at 4°. The soluThis content downloaded from 157.55.39.105 on Fri, 07 Oct 2016 04:31:45 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 290 Tfiansactions of the Kansas Academy of Ssience tion was centrifuged to remove insoluble material, and the supernatant was concentrated in a dialysis bag suspended in front of an electric fan. The solution was placed on a column of Sephadex G75, and elution was accomplished at room temperature with 0.05 triethanolamine-0.1 M NaCl buffer, pH 7, at a flow rate of 20 ml/hr. The eluate was collected in 5 ml fractions and absorbance of each fraction at 280 nm was used to detect elution of protein components. Inhibitory activity of each fraction was measured, using benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPA) as trypsin substrate (4). Fractions with inhibitory activity were combined, dialyzed, and placed on a CM-cellulose column (9). Gradient elution was performed using 0.03 hI citrate buffer, pH 4.0, in the mixing chamber and 0.3 M citrate buffer, pH 6.5, in the reservoir. The inhibitory fractions were combined, dialyzed, and lyophilized. Disc electrophoresis was performed on 7% polyacrylamide gels (3). One hundred jug of inhibitor were added to each gel column, and electrophoresis was conducted with Tris-glycine buffer, pH 9.5, at a current of 5 mA per tube for 1.5 hours. Protein bands were located by staining with Coomassie blue (2). Type of inhibition was established by the method of Lineweaver and Burk (7). Thermostability was studied by refluxing water solutionJ containing 100 Jug of inhibitor per ml, withdrawing samples at intenals for up to 8 hrs and determining inhibitor activity. Figure 1. Electrophoretic separation of corn trypsin inhibitor on polyacrylamide gel. Left, normal corn; center, opaque-2; right, floBy-2. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.105 on Fri, 07 Oct 2016 04:31:45 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms Trypsin Inhibitors of Corn 291 Results The three corn sources had similar Sephadex chromatographic patterns, each showing three protein bands with all the inhibitory activity located in the middle band. Further chromatography of the active components on CM-cellulose eliminated a small amount of inactive material from each preparation. After passing through the above columns, the active cornponents were recovered by lyophilization. Yields were 350 and 18 / mg per kilogram for the opaque-2 (HL6) and the normal (H28xK41 ) sources, respentively. Equipment malfunction precIuded accurate yield data for the floury-2 source.