| Initiated by the Kentucky Corn Growers Association, the
Kentucky Grain Quality Laboratory tests corn and wheat samples for a number
of characteristics that provide growers, marketers, and end-users
information about grain quality. The purpose behind grain testing at the
Kentucky Grain Quality Lab is to open doors to value added grain production
in Kentucky. End-users are interested in corn and wheat with certain quality
characteristics. If a producer's grain meets those standards, the crop
becomes more marketable and may provide and opportunity for producers to
sell grain for a premium.
Another beneficial use of the lab is for the detection of grain toxins
which could be hazardous to livestock.
Services of the Kentucky Grain Quality Lab are free for KyCGA members and
all producers living in the Commonwealth.
Lab results are generally available two to 10 days after the sample has
been received in the lab.
To submit grain for testing, a representative 2-pound sample should be
sent to the address below:
KY GRAIN QUALITY LAB
ATTN: MIKE MONTROSS
128 CE BARNHART BLDG
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
LEXINGTON KY 40546-0276
Phone: 859-257-3000 ext. 106
Sample
Information & Collection
Obtain a sample
collection envelope from your local county extension agent or by contacting
KyCGA. Please be sure to fill out all
required information on the sample envelope so that the lab can provide you
accurate results about your crop. If a Kentucky Grain Quality Envelope is
not available, please provide the following information with your sample:
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Name, Address, Phone, FAX, E-mail
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Lot or ID# (a number you assign for different
bins/fields/etc.)
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Grain Type and Hybrid
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Date Harvested
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Drying Method and Temperature
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Date Sampled
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Sample Location (combine, bin, truck, etc.)
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Method of Sampling
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Desired Use of Grain
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Tests Desired - please refer to the list on the
right.
All grain is tested for Test Weight, Moisture, and
Nutrient Content (starch, protein, oil and fiber).
Samples should be taken prior to and during storage to determine quality
characteristics and to monitor grain quality changes.
A large
number of samples should be taken and then combined in order to gain a
sample that accurately represents the whole lot of grain. It is best to pull
samples after the grain has been dried and temperatures stabilized in order
to get the best quality data.
Collecting representative grain
samples is essential to obtain useful data. Certain uniform sampling methods
selected must be practical in both time and equipment required. The
following procedures are brief tips to help in assuring accurate sampling.
Sample Size: A minimum 2-pound sample of grain should be submitted
for testing. Sample
locations from grain bins:
 Be sure to
reference a sample number to each bin, truck or lot of grain so you can
compare results.
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Grain
Quality Lab Summary of Tests
Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) determines
the amount of protein, oil, starch, fiber and moisture in you corn kernels. This analysis
is very important because most are essential nutrients for humans and animals.
When corn is used for animal feed, it must be
supplemented with additional PROTEINS for maximum gains. Higher protein levels mean less
costly supplementation. OIL is a major diet energy source. Higher oil values in grains
improve value as an animal feed. STARCH is the primary source of energy in animal feed and
a major industrial raw material. Some industrial uses may benefit from higher starch
levels. FIBER serves an important function in human and animal diets. Higher levels
improve value. MOISTURE is needed to adjust other chemical analyses and values to a common
moisture level.
Hardness affects grinding power
requirements, nutritive properties, dust formation, dry milling grit recovery, kernel and
bulk density, alkaline soak time, and influences the extent of post harvest damage.
Floaters are the number of kernels that
float in a liquid of known specific gravity. Floaters give a quick index of milling
quality, cooking time, density and general food quality.
Stress Cracks are visible cracks in the
endosperm. They weaken the kernel, making it susceptible to handling damage (breakage).
Many stress cracks reduce large grit yield from dry milling and cause unreliable water
uptake for alkaline soaking.
Test Weight is the measure of bulk density
made by weighing a specific volume of grain. A component of grade standards ,
56lb/bu is
required for No. 2 grade. Food processors prefer values near or above 60 lb/bu.
Visual Hard/Soft Starch Ratio is an
indicator of hardness and dry milling suitability. More hard starch is better.
1000 Kernel Weight gives an average of
kernel size. 300 grams per 1000 kernels is average. Some processors prefer lager kernels.
Density is the measure of weight per unit
volume. It indicates hardness and suitability for food processing. Values greater than
1.3 g/cc are good.
Broken Corn and Foreign Material also known as BCFM, indicates
cleanliness of sample. BCFM can indicate crop quality and may be used to evaluate value
for overseas shipments.
Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic toxin produced
by a fungus (aspergillus) during stressful growing seasons. Levels greater than 20 ppb may
cause grain to be rejected for interstate shipment and food or feed usage.
Fumonison & Vomitoxin are fungal toxins caused by Fusarium SSP. It is known to cause deleterious effects in horses and swine.
Levels for grain rejection vary depending on use. |
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