EFFECT OF STORAGE DURATION ON THE NUTRITIONAL-VALUE OF CORN KERNELS FOR BROILER CHICKS

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of storage duration of corn on its chemical composition (DM, protein, fat, amino adds, and fa tty acids) and nutritional value for chicks, with an emphasis on AME(n ). Freshly harvested whole, grains were stored for 110 mo in covered g alvanized iron cans, kept inside a storehouse. The AME(n) content of t he grains was determined in 10 experiments in which the corn was incor porated in a diet designated for the evaluation of AME(n) by the subst itution method. These determinations were carried out with male broile r chicks at 15 to 17 d of age. The chemical composition of the grains did not change during storage, except for a significant (P < 0.02) inc rease in lysine and a decrease in valine levels. Moreover, the AME(n) content was not affected significantly (P > 0.05) by storage duration. It is concluded, therefore, that storing corn grains for 110 mo, unde r proper conditions, does not adversely affect their nutritional value .