Corn, scientifically known as Zea mays, is a cereal grain and one of the world’s most important staple crops. It is commonly referred to as maize outside of the United States. Corn is grown for its kernels, which can be used for human consumption (e.g., sweet corn, cornmeal, popcorn), animal feed (e.g., poultry and livestock feed), and industrial purposes (e.g., ethanol production, corn syrup). It exists in various types, including dent corn, flint corn, and sweet corn, with colors ranging from yellow and white to red and blue, though yellow and white are the most common commercially.

Major Corn-Producing Countries

The major contributors to global maize production include the USA, China, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Indonesia. This response will focus on corn specifications from India, Myanmar, Brazil, Ukraine, and the USA (in that order) for comparison, tailored to the needs of feed mills and poultry feed mills.

Corn Specifications by Country

Below are detailed technical specifications for corn from various origins, structured for use by feed mills and poultry feed manufacturers. The data includes key parameters such as moisture, foreign matter, damaged kernels, aflatoxin levels, and more, which are critical for quality control in feed production.

1. India-Origin Corn Specifications (Ametheus Exports)

Ametheus provides two grades of non-GMO maize from India, suitable for feed mills:

• Grade A (Premium Feed Grade):
  • Moisture: 14% max
  • Foreign Matter: 1% max
  • Damage & Discolor: 3% max
  • Admixture: 1% max
  • Broken Kernels: 1% max
  • Shriveled & Immature: 2% max
  • Aflatoxin: 20 ppb max
• Grade B (Feed Grade):
  • Moisture: 14% max
  • Foreign Matter: 2% max
  • Damaged Kernels: 4% max
  • Broken Kernels: 4% max
  • Aflatoxin B1: 50 ppb max
  • Admixture: 3% max

Notes: Grade A is ideal for high-quality poultry feed due to lower aflatoxin and foreign matter, while Grade B is cost-effective for general livestock feed.

For poultry feed mills, understanding the number of kernels per gram and per kilogram, along with grain size, is critical for optimizing feed formulations, processing efficiency, and cost management. Below, I’ve updated the data for Indian corn (maize) from Ametheus (Grade A and Grade B) to include kernels per kilogram, alongside kernels per gram and grain size determination methods, tailored for poultry feed applications.

Number of Kernels per Gram and per Kilogram in Indian Corn

The number of kernels per gram and per kilogram depends on kernel size, which varies by variety, growing conditions, and grade. Since 1 kilogram equals 1,000 grams, the number of kernels per kilogram is calculated by multiplying the kernels per gram by 1,000. Below are the estimates for Indian corn:

• Small Kernels: 3–5 kernels per gram → 3,000–5,000 kernels per kg
• Medium Kernels: 2–3 kernels per gram → 2,000–3,000 kernels per kg
• Large Kernels: 1–2 kernels per gram → 1,000–2,000 kernels per kg

Indian Corn (Ametheus Exports):

• Grade A (Premium Feed Grade):
  • Kernels per Gram: 2–3 (Medium to Large)
  • Kernels per Kilogram: 2,000–3,000
• Grade B (Feed Grade):
  • Kernels per Gram: 3–4 (Small to Medium)
  • Kernels per Kilogram: 3,000–4,000

Why It Matters for Poultry Feed Mills:

• Per Gram: Helps determine grinding fineness and pellet uniformity.
• Per Kilogram: Assists in estimating total kernel count per batch, aiding in bulk feed formulation and cost per ton calculations.

How to Determine Grain Size

Grain size is assessed by physical dimensions, weight, or sieving, as outlined below:

1. Sieve Analysis:
   • Use sieves with openings of 4 mm to 10 mm.
   • >8 mm: Large kernels (1–2 per gram; 1,000–2,000 per kg)
   • 6–8 mm: Medium kernels (2–3 per gram; 2,000–3,000 per kg)
   • <6 mm: Small kernels (3–5 per gram; 3,000–5,000 per kg)
2. Weight per 100 Kernels:
   • Weigh 100 kernels and divide by 100 for average kernel weight.
   • Small: 0.20–0.25 g/kernel → 4–5 per gram → 4,000–5,000 per kg
   • Medium: 0.33–0.50 g/kernel → 2–3 per gram → 2,000–3,000 per kg
   • Large: 0.50–1.00 g/kernel → 1–2 per gram → 1,000–2,000 per kg
3. Visual Inspection:
   • Compare against supplier reference samples to classify as small, medium, or large.
4. Moisture Consideration:
   • At 14% max moisture (Indian corn spec), kernel weight may slightly increase, reducing the count per gram/kg slightly.

Practical Tip: Test a sample from Ametheus (contact: info@ametheus.com) using sieves or 100-kernel weight to confirm your batch’s kernel count and size.

Updated Grain Size Data for Indian Corn (Grade A and Grade B)

Here’s the comprehensive data, including kernels per kilogram, presented for poultry feed mills:

Notes:

• Grade A: 2,000–3,000 kernels per kg, with larger, uniform kernels, ideal for poultry starter/grower feeds requiring high energy and consistent particle size.
• Grade B: 3,000–4,000 kernels per kg, with smaller kernels, suited for finisher feeds or mixed rations where cost efficiency is key.

Application for Poultry Feed Mills

• Grinding and Pelleting:
  • Grade A (2,000–3,000 kernels/kg): Use 4–6 mm screens for coarse grinding, preserving energy content.
  • Grade B (3,000–4,000 kernels/kg): Use 2–4 mm screens for finer grinding, ensuring uniformity with smaller kernels.
• Nutritional Consistency:
  • Lower kernel count per kg (Grade A) indicates larger kernels with higher starch, boosting energy in poultry diets.
  • Higher kernel count per kg (Grade B) offers more kernels per ton, potentially increasing milling throughput.
• Cost Efficiency:
  • Grade B’s higher kernel count per kg (3,000–4,000) provides more volume per ton, reducing raw material costs for less sensitive poultry stages.

Summery on Indian corn size

Indian corn from Ametheus yields 2–3 kernels per gram (2,000–3,000 per kg) for Grade A and 3–4 kernels per gram (3,000–4,000 per kg) for Grade B. Grain size can be determined via sieve analysis or 100-kernel weight tests, enabling poultry feed mills to adjust processing for optimal feed quality.

2. Myanmar-Origin Corn Specifications

Myanmar is an emerging player in corn exports, particularly in Southeast Asia. While specific data wasn’t provided, typical export-grade yellow corn specifications from Myanmar (sourced from regional standards) are as follows:

• Moisture: 14% max
• Foreign Matter: 2% max
• Broken Kernels: 4% max
• Damaged Kernels: 5% max
• Aflatoxin: 30 ppb max
• Admixture: 2% max
• Test Weight: 65 kg/hL min (indicative, varies by supplier)

Notes: Myanmar corn is typically non-GMO and suited for poultry and livestock feed. Buyers should verify aflatoxin levels, as tropical climates may increase risk.

3. Brazil-Origin Corn Specifications

• Moisture: 14.5% max
• Test Weight: 67 kg/hL min
• Broken Corn & Foreign Matter: 4% max (Broken: 3%, Foreign Matter: 1%)
• Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2): 20 ppb max
• Ochratoxin A: 200 ppb max

Notes: Brazilian corn is a reliable option for feed mills, with consistent quality and low mycotoxin levels, suitable for poultry and cattle feed.

4. Ukraine-Origin Corn Specifications

• Test Weight: 69 kg/hL min
• Moisture: 14.5% max
• Broken Kernels: 5% max
• Admixture (Foreign Matter): 2% max
• Damaged Kernels: 5% max (including heat-damaged: 2% max)
• Aflatoxin: Not specified (typically 20 ppb max for export)

Notes: Ukrainian corn has a high test weight, indicating good kernel density and energy value, making it suitable for poultry and swine feed.

5. USA-Origin Corn Specifications

The USA is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn, primarily yellow dent corn, widely used in animal feed. Specifications are based on typical U.S. No. 2 Yellow Corn standards (commonly exported grade), unless otherwise specified by buyers.

• Moisture: 14% max
• Test Weight: 68 kg/hL min
• Foreign Matter: 3% max
• Broken Kernels: 3% max
• Damaged Kernels: 5% max (including heat-damaged kernels: 0.5% max)
• Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2): 20 ppb max
• Admixture: 2% max

Notes: U.S. corn is non-GMO unless specified otherwise, with rigorous quality controls. Ideal for poultry feed due to low aflatoxin and high test weight, ensuring good energy content.

Comparison of Corn Specifications (Country-Wise)

Key Insights:

• India Grade A offers the lowest foreign matter (1%) and broken kernels (1%), making it a premium choice for feed quality.
• Myanmar is a cost-effective option but may require stricter aflatoxin monitoring (30 ppb).
• Brazil provides consistent quality with low aflatoxin (20 ppb), suitable for poultry and cattle feed.
• Ukraine and USA lead with the highest test weights (69 and 68 kg/hL), indicating superior kernel density and energy content for poultry feed.
• India Grade B is budget-friendly but has higher aflatoxin (50 ppb), limiting its use in poultry.

Packaging and Procurement

• Packaging: Available in 50 kg gross new PP/HDPE bags or bulk/loose in 20’/40’ containers, with sample bags placed strategically for inspection. Large quantities can be shipped via chartered vessels.

Recommendation for Feed Mills and Poultry Feed Mills

• Poultry Feed: Choose India Grade A, Brazil, Ukraine, or USA corn due to low aflatoxin (≤20 ppb) and high test weight, ensuring safety and nutritional value.
• General Livestock Feed: Myanmar and India Grade B offer cost-effective alternatives with acceptable quality for cattle and swine.
• Ametheus provides reliable non-GMO corn options from India, with flexible grading to meet diverse feed mill needs.

For tailored quotes, batch data or samples, contact info@ametheus.com