The impact on formulating a diet is significant. In order for livestock feeders to be able to formulate their rations consistently, they should take advantage of this new, rapid and inexpenisve method of composition analysis. Lower protein values generally result in higher starch values. Higher starch values are especially desirable to wet millers, whose highest value end products are starch and sweeteners. The range within the samples tested from across the state is about 5 percentage points.
Density is another important quality indicator.
Generally, the denser the kernel, the harder and more desirable for dry millers and snack food manufacturers. These results only give an indication of the composition values of corn across Indiana. Conditions during the growing season, hybrid selection, and soil fertility significantly affect intrinsic values. Producers need to have their own samples analyzed to get more precise values. The exact content of corn fed to pigs will affect the formulation of diets.