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Technical Note (TN 749): Treatments To Grain For Feeding Ruminants

When feed grains are harvested their moisture content can vary depending on the conditions at harvest.  For grain to be stable and not heat or deteriorate in storage, it either requires a moisture content of below 14% or to be preserved in another way.  Alternative preservation methods to high dry matter storage involve acids, alkalis or ensilage, but all have drawbacks from the convenience of dried grain, not least the ability to sell.  The purpose is to prevent moulds and bacterial decay producing mycotoxins that affect animal health and reduce the nutritional value of the crop.  This technical note outlines the options for preserving early harvested and conventionally harvested cereal crops.  Some options also enhance nutritional quality of the cereals.

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