The effect of storage temperature on the change in AME of new season grains was also examined. The differential responses of male and female birds, however, made it difficult to draw a conclusion. Female birds generally gave 0.3-0.5MJ higher AME values and, at times, responded highly positively in AME to storage. The excreta from the control birds had a viscosity of 14.8 mPa.s, whereas that from birds fed the enzyme-supplemented diet had a viscosity of 4 mPa.s. It may be concluded that the post-harvest changes in the nutritive value of cereal grains for poultry occur widely, but not for all grains or samples within the same grain type.
Wheat is highly responsive to storage, also most variable in response.
Storing grains conventionally for 3-4 months will be beneficial, but there appears to be little or no benefit of storing sorghum, maize and the modern varieties of triticale. Implementation of extract viscosity techniques and strategic use of feed enzymes are recommended.