True Metabolizable Energy of Corn Fractions

A series of studies was conducted to determine the relative metabolizable energy content of whole corn kernels, broken corn (BC), and foreign material (FM). Samples of yellow corn were obtained from eight different trains and separated into the three fractions which were assayed for proximate composition and nitrogen corrected true metabolizable energy. On average, whole kernels contained 3439 kcal/kg (86% dry matter), BC 2.5% less, and FM 11% less than intact kernels. Considerable variation was noted in the energy of the FM fraction. The relatively modest reduction in energy noted for the BC and FM fractions does not reflect the possible risks associated with insect and mod infestation of these fractions.