Maize Mistry in Poultry Production

Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Shukla and Dr. Amitav Bhattacharyya

Department of Poultry Science,

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mathura- 281001 (U.P.) India

Maize (corn) production in India is an important agricultural activity and plays a significant role in the country’s economy. It is the third most widely grown crop in India, after rice and wheat. Maize is grown across various states in India and serves multiple purposes, including food for human consumption, feed for livestock (particularly poultry), and raw material for industrial products. Maize production in India is a vital component of the agricultural sector, with applications in food, feed, and industrial uses. Despite challenges such as climate variability, pest infestations, and market access issues, maize production has the potential for growth through improved farming practices, better seed varieties, effective pest management, and government support. Continued research and innovation, along with farmer education and infrastructure development, will be essential to enhance maize productivity and profitability in India.

Overview of Maize Production in India

1. Major Maize-Producing States: The primary maize-producing states in India include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These states collectively contribute to more than 70% of India’s total maize production. Karnataka is the leading maize-producing state, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
2. Types of Maize Cultivation: Maize is mainly grown during the Kharif season (monsoon season from June to October), which accounts for about 85% of the total maize production in India. The crop is rainfed in this season, and the major states for Kharif maize are Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Maize is also cultivated during the Rabi season (winter season from November to March), particularly in states like Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and some parts of Maharashtra. Rabi maize is often irrigated and benefits from cooler temperatures and lower pest pressures. A smaller amount of maize is grown in the Zaid season (summer season from March to June), mainly for green cobs and fodder.
3. Uses of Maize in India: Maize is consumed directly in various forms such as chapatis, porridge, and as roasted or boiled cobs. Maize flour (cornmeal) is used to make traditional dishes like “makki di roti” in Northern India. A significant portion of maize production is used for animal feed, particularly in the poultry and dairy sectors. Maize is a crucial ingredient in compounded animal feeds due to its high energy content. Maize is also used in several industrial applications, such as the production of starch, ethanol, corn oil, and other maize-based products. The starch industry in India is one of the largest consumers of maize. India exports maize to several countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The demand for Indian maize in the international market has been increasing due to its quality and competitive pricing.

Factors Affecting Maize Production in India

1. Climate and Weather: Maize production in India is highly dependent on the monsoon rains. Adequate and timely rainfall is crucial for Kharif maize, while Rabi maize relies more on irrigation. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and cyclones can significantly impact maize yields. Temperature extremes, particularly during the flowering and grain-filling stages, can also reduce yields.
2. Soil Quality: Maize grows well in a variety of soils, but well-drained loamy and alluvial soils with good organic content are ideal for maize cultivation. Poor soil fertility and salinity issues in some regions can affect maize productivity.
3. Availability of High-Yielding Varieties: The use of high-yielding maize varieties and hybrids has significantly increased maize production in India. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties, which are nutritionally superior, are also being promoted. Adoption of improved seed varieties and hybrids can increase yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and adaptability to various climatic conditions.
4. Irrigation and Water Management: While Kharif maize is primarily rainfed, Rabi maize depends heavily on irrigation. Efficient water management practices, including drip and sprinkler irrigation, can enhance maize productivity, particularly in water-scarce regions. Access to reliable irrigation sources is crucial for ensuring good maize yields, especially during dry spells.
5. Pest and Disease Management: Maize is susceptible to various pests (such as the fall armyworm, stem borers, and cutworms) and diseases (such as downy mildew, rust, and leaf blight). Effective pest and disease management practices, including integrated pest management (IPM), are essential to prevent yield losses.
6. Fertilization and Soil Health: Proper fertilization is essential for optimal maize yields. Maize requires adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients like zinc and boron, depending on the soil’s fertility status. Maintaining soil health through practices like crop rotation, green manuring, and the use of organic fertilizers can enhance maize production.
7. Government Policies and Support: The Indian government provides various support measures for maize farmers, including minimum support prices (MSP), subsidies on inputs like seeds and fertilizers, and crop insurance schemes to protect against natural calamities. Research and extension services are provided by various agricultural universities and research institutions to improve maize farming practices.

Challenges in Maize Production

1. Climate Change and Variability: Changes in rainfall patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and temperature fluctuations due to climate change can adversely affect maize production.
2. Pest and Disease Pressure: The introduction of new pests like the fall armyworm has posed a significant threat to maize production in recent years, requiring vigilant monitoring and management.
3. Post-Harvest Losses: Post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities, poor handling, and pest infestations can reduce the quantity and quality of maize available for consumption and sale.
4. Market Access and Price Volatility: Fluctuating market prices, inadequate market linkages, and limited access to storage and processing facilities can affect farmers’ incomes from maize production.
5. Limited Adoption of Advanced Technologies: Many maize farmers still rely on traditional farming methods, with limited access to or awareness of advanced technologies such as precision farming, improved seed varieties, and modern irrigation techniques.

Quality of Maize for Poultry Feed

The quality of maize (corn) for poultry feed is critical as it is a major energy source for poultry diets. The quality of maize used in poultry feed can significantly impact the health, growth, and productivity of poultry. When selecting maize for poultry feed, it is essential to ensure high energy content, moderate protein and fat levels, low moisture, absence of mycotoxins and contaminants, and appropriate particle size. High-quality maize will promote better health, growth, and productivity in poultry, ultimately leading to more efficient feed conversion and higher returns. By following the following points one can produce high-quality maize that is safe and nutritious for poultry, thereby supporting healthy growth and high productivity in poultry farming.

1. Nutritional Content: Maize is primarily valued for its high energy content, which comes from its carbohydrates (mainly starch). It should have a high metabolizable energy (ME) value, usually ranging between 3300 to 3400 kcal/kg.Although maize is not a high-protein grain, it should have a sufficient protein content (around 7-9%) to contribute to the overall protein needs of poultry. The quality of protein is also important; maize should have adequate levels of essential amino acids like lysine and methionine. The fat content in maize should be around 3-4%, providing a source of essential fatty acids. Lower fibre content is preferred because high fibre reduces digestibility. Maize typically has a fibre content of about 2-3%.

2. Physical Quality: Maize should have a low moisture content, ideally less than 14%, to prevent Mold growth and mycotoxin production, which is harmful to poultry.Uniform grain size is desirable for consistent milling and mixing in feed production.The maize should be free from contaminants like stones, dust, and other foreign materials that could harm poultry or damage milling equipment.

3. Presence of Mycotoxins/ Mycotoxin Contamination: Maize is susceptible to mycotoxin contamination (e.g., aflatoxins, fumonisins) if stored improperly or if it becomes mouldy. Mycotoxins are toxic metabolic compounds produced by fungi that can negatively impact poultry health, leading to poor growth, reduced egg production, and even mortality. Ensuring maize is free from mycotoxins is essential for quality poultry feed.

4. Processing Quality: Proper drying and storage conditions are crucial to maintaining maize quality. Maize should be dried properly to avoid moisture build-up and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent Mold and pest infestation.The particle size of ground maize should be suitable for the specific poultry type. Fine grinding is often required for chicks, while coarser grinding might be suitable for older birds.

5. Absence of Pesticide Residues: Maize used for poultry feed should be free from harmful pesticide residues. This can be ensured by sourcing maize from reputable suppliers who follow proper agricultural practices.

6. Anti-nutritional Factors: Maize typically has low levels of anti-nutritional factors compared to other grains, but it’s still important to ensure that any potentially harmful components are minimized through proper breeding and selection of maize varieties.

How to produce quality Maize for poultry feed

Producing high-quality maize for poultry feed involves several key steps that span from planting to harvesting, storage, and processing.

1. Select High-Quality Maize Varieties: Select maize varieties that are high-yielding, disease-resistant, and have desirable nutritional profiles for poultry, particularly high energy content and low fibre. Varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases will also reduce the risk of contamination.Choose maize varieties suited to the local climate and soil conditions to ensure optimal growth and yield.

2. Soil Preparation and Fertilization: Conduct soil tests to determine nutrient levels and pH. This helps in selecting the appropriate type and amount of fertilizers to apply.Use the recommended amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers based on soil tests. Balanced fertilization promotes healthy plant growth, which can improve the nutritional quality of the maize grains.Incorporate organic matter like compost or manure into the soil to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

3. Planting Techniques: Plant maize at the optimal time for your region to ensure the crop matures during favourable weather conditions. Avoid planting during seasons prone to excessive rainfall or drought, which can impact yield and grain quality. Use appropriate planting spacing to ensure each plant gets enough sunlight, air, and nutrients. Overcrowded fields can lead to stunted growth and higher disease susceptibility.

4. Pest and Disease Management: Use Integrated Pest Management practices such as crop rotation, biological control agents, resistant varieties, and minimal use of chemical pesticides to manage pests and diseases effectively. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases, which can affect yield and quality.Regularly scout fields for signs of pests and diseases and take timely action to control them. This helps in preventing damage that could compromise grain quality.

5. Water Management: Ensure adequate and timely irrigation, especially during critical growth stages (e.g., flowering and grain filling). Too much or too little water can affect maize quality and yield.Ensure proper field drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to poor growth and increased susceptibility to diseases.

6. Harvesting: Harvest maize when it reaches physiological maturity, indicated by the black layer formation at the kernel base and moisture content of around 20-25%. Harvesting at the right time ensures maximum nutrient content and reduces the risk of Mold growth. Delaying harvest can increase the risk of mycotoxin contamination and reduce grain quality due to Mold and pest damage.

7. Post-Harvest Handling and Storage: Dry maize grains to a moisture content of 13-14% immediately after harvest to prevent Mold growth and mycotoxin production. Use clean, well-ventilated drying areas or mechanical dryers. Clean the maize grains to remove foreign materials, broken kernels, and debris that could reduce quality and attract pests, Store maize in clean, dry, and well-ventilated facilities. Use storage containers or bags that are pest-resistant. Keep storage areas cool and dry to minimize moisture build-up and pest infestation.

8. Monitor for Mycotoxins: Test maize regularly for mycotoxin levels, especially if stored for extended periods. Use rapid test kits or laboratory analysis to ensure mycotoxin levels are below acceptable limits. If there is a risk of mycotoxins, consider using mycotoxin binders in poultry feed to reduce their impact on poultry health.

9. Processing for Poultry Feed: Grind maize to an appropriate particle size suitable for poultry feed. Finer grinding is often needed for chicks, while coarser grinding may be suitable for older birds.Ensure maize is properly mixed with other feed ingredients to create a balanced poultry diet. Consider the nutritional needs of different poultry types (broilers, layers, etc.) when formulating feed.

10. Maintain Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): Stay informed about the latest agricultural practices, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling techniques to continually improve maize quality. Keep detailed records of planting, fertilizer and pesticide applications, irrigation, and harvest to track and improve farming practices over time.

Ensuring good quality of maize for poultry feed during storage, processing and milling

Ensuring the good quality of maize for poultry feed during storage, processing, and milling is crucial to maintaining its nutritional value, preventing contamination, and ensuring the overall safety and efficacy of the feed.

1. Storage: Proper storage is vital to preserve maize quality and prevent deterioration, particularly from moisture, pests, and Mold.

Key Practices for Good Storage:

• Maintain Low Moisture Content: Ensure maize is dried to a moisture content of 13-14% before storage. This level of dryness prevents fungal growth and mycotoxin production.
• Clean and Dry Storage Facilities: Store maize in clean, dry, and well-ventilated facilities to reduce the risk of contamination from dust, pests, and Molds. Regularly clean storage areas to prevent the build-up of debris and residues that could harbour pests or Molds.
• Temperature Control: Keep storage areas cool, ideally below 25°C (77°F). High temperatures can increase moisture migration and the risk of Mold growth and insect infestation.
• Use of Airtight Containers or Bags: Store maize in airtight containers or sealed bags to prevent moisture ingress and protect against pests. Consider using hermetic storage bags that prevent oxygen entry, thus limiting the growth of pests and Molds.
• Pest Control: Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to control insects and rodents. This may include using traps, regular inspections, and minimal pesticide use to keep storage areas pest-free.
• Regular Monitoring: Periodically check the maize for signs of spoilage, such as Mold growth, off-Odors, or insect activity. Monitoring should be done at least once a month.
• Mycotoxin Testing: Regularly test stored maize for mycotoxins, especially if it is stored for long periods or if there has been high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

2. Processing: Processing involves cleaning, drying, and preparing maize for milling. Good processing practices ensure that maize is clean, free of contaminants, and maintains its nutritional quality.

Key Practices for Good Processing:

• Cleaning: Use mechanical cleaners to remove foreign materials such as stones, soil, chaff, and damaged kernels. This reduces the risk of contamination and improves the quality of the final feed product.
• Sorting and Grading: Sort and grade maize to separate high-quality kernels from damaged or mouldy ones. Damaged grains should be discarded to avoid contaminating good quality maize.
• Proper Drying: Before processing, ensure maize is adequately dried to the correct moisture level. Use mechanical dryers if needed to achieve consistent moisture content throughout the batch. Drying should be done evenly to avoid over drying some grains while others remain too moist.
• Avoid Overheating: During drying and other processing steps, avoid overheating maize, as excessive heat can damage the grain’s nutritional content, particularly the protein and vitamins, and can lead to off-flavours.
• Minimize Grain Damage: Handle maize carefully during processing to minimize grain breakage and cracking, which can lead to faster spoilage and nutrient loss.

3. Milling: Milling converts maize into forms suitable for poultry feed, such as fine meal or coarsely ground grains. Proper milling ensures the feed is digestible and suitable for poultry consumption.

Key Practices for Good Milling:

• Adjust Grinding Size: Use appropriate milling equipment to grind maize to the desired particle size. Fine grinding is typically needed for young chicks, while older poultry can consume coarser feed. Consistent particle size improves digestibility and feed conversion rates.
• Control Temperature During Milling: Milling generates heat, which can lead to nutrient loss if temperatures get too high. Maintain milling equipment properly to reduce friction and overheating.
• Avoid Contamination: Ensure milling equipment is regularly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination between batches. Avoid milling other materials that could introduce toxins or allergens unless thorough cleaning is conducted afterward.
• Quality Control: Conduct regular quality control checks on the milled product to ensure it meets the nutritional standards required for poultry feed. Test for moisture content, particle size distribution, and the presence of any contaminants.
• Packaging: Store milled maize feed in clean, dry bags or containers to protect it from moisture and pests. Label the packaging with production dates and batch numbers to manage inventory and traceability.

4. Post-Milling Handling and Storage: Once maize is milled into feed, it requires proper handling and storage to maintain its quality until it is used.

Key Practices for Post-Milling Storage:

• Cool and Dry Storage: Store milled feed in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. Elevated temperatures and humidity can cause feed to degrade rapidly, leading to loss of nutrients and potential Mold growth.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation in storage areas to prevent condensation and moisture build-up, which can promote Mold growth.
• Use of Feed Additives: Consider using natural or synthetic antioxidants to preserve the nutritional quality of the feed, particularly the fats and vitamins.
• First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Rotation: Implement a FIFO system to ensure older feed is used before newer batches, reducing the risk of spoilage and maintaining feed freshness.
• Pest Management: Continuously monitor storage areas for pests and apply control measures as needed to protect the feed from contamination.

By adhering to these guidelines during storage, processing, and milling, we can maintain the high quality of maize used for poultry feed, ensuring it remains nutritious, safe, and effective for poultry production.

Quality Protein Maize (QPM) for poultry feed

Quality Protein Maize (QPM) is a type of maize (corn) that has been specifically bred to have enhanced nutritional quality, particularly in terms of its protein content. QPM maize was developed to address nutritional deficiencies in regions where maize is a staple food, as traditional maize lacks adequate levels of certain essential amino acids, such as lysine and tryptophan, which are crucial for protein synthesis in both humans and animals. For poultry feed, QPM offers numerous benefits by providing a more balanced amino acid profile, improving growth rates, and potentially lowering feed costs. Encouraging the use of QPM in poultry feed can contribute to more efficient and cost-effective poultry production while enhancing the overall nutritional value of poultry diets.

Key Features of Quality Protein Maize (QPM):

1. Enhanced Protein Quality: QPM varieties contain nearly twice the amount of lysine and tryptophan compared to conventional maize. These amino acids are essential for protein synthesis and are not naturally produced by poultry or humans, making their presence in feed or diet crucial. The protein in QPM has a higher biological value, meaning it is more efficiently utilized by animals and humans for growth and maintenance.
2. Comparable Yield and Agronomic Performance: QPM varieties are bred to have similar yields and agronomic characteristics to conventional maize, making them suitable for adoption by farmers without a significant loss in productivity. QPM varieties have been developed to have good resistance to common maize diseases and pests, ensuring that they are viable for cultivation in various regions.
3. Suitable for Poultry Feed: Because of its improved amino acid profile, QPM is particularly suitable for poultry feed. Birds fed with QPM-based diets often show better growth rates, improved feed conversion ratios, and higher body weight gain compared to those fed with conventional maize. By using QPM in poultry feed, farmers can reduce the need for expensive protein supplements, such as soybean meal or synthetic amino acids, making poultry production more cost-effective.

Benefits of QPM for Poultry Feed:

1. Enhanced Nutrition: QPM provides a more balanced diet by increasing the availability of essential amino acids, particularly lysine and tryptophan, which are often deficient in traditional maize. This improvement in protein quality can lead to better growth, higher feed efficiency, and improved overall health of poultry, reducing the need for additional protein supplements.
2. Improved Poultry Performance: Poultry fed on QPM-based diets generally show better weight gain and growth rates due to the higher quality protein content. This is particularly beneficial for broilers that require high-protein diets for rapid growth. Layers (egg-producing chickens) can also benefit from improved egg production and egg quality due to the balanced amino acid profile in QPM.
3. Cost Savings: Using QPM in poultry feed can reduce the need for supplemental amino acids or high-protein ingredients like soybean meal, leading to cost savings in feed formulation. Farmers may also experience reduced costs associated with faster growth rates and shorter production cycles due to the enhanced nutritional profile of QPM.

Challenges and Considerations:

1. Availability and Adoption: The availability of QPM seeds might be limited in some regions, which could hinder its adoption. Farmers need access to QPM seeds and knowledge about its cultivation and benefits. Adoption rates can be influenced by farmers’ awareness and education about the benefits of QPM over conventional maize.
2. Market Development: Developing markets for QPM can be challenging if there is a lack of awareness or demand for its nutritional benefits. There needs to be an emphasis on educating both producers and consumers about the advantages of QPM.
3. Grain Quality and Processing: While QPM has similar yield and disease resistance as conventional maize, ensuring proper handling and storage is essential to maintain its quality. Like all maize, QPM must be stored under conditions that prevent Mold and mycotoxin contamination.

Improving availability of maize for poultry feed pan India

Improving the availability of maize for poultry feed in India involves addressing several key factors related to production, supply chain management, market access, and policy support.

1. Increase Maize Production

• Promote High-Yielding and Resilient Varieties: Encourage the adoption of high-yielding maize varieties and hybrids, including Quality Protein Maize (QPM), which offers better nutritional value for poultry. Promote varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, and can tolerate environmental stresses such as drought and heat.
• Enhance Cultivation Practices: Improve agricultural practices by promoting soil health management, balanced fertilization, proper irrigation, and integrated pest management (IPM). Training and educating farmers on modern cultivation techniques can lead to higher yields and better-quality maize.
• Expand Irrigated Maize Cultivation: Increase the area under irrigated maize cultivation, particularly during the Rabi season. Promoting efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, can help farmers grow maize in regions with limited rainfall and improve yields.
• Use of Technology and Mechanization: Encourage the use of technology and mechanization in maize farming, such as precision farming tools, improved seed drills, and harvesters, to increase productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

2. Improve Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

• Reduce Post-Harvest Losses: Implement better post-harvest management practices to reduce losses due to pests, Mold, and spoilage. This includes proper drying, cleaning, and storage of maize to maintain its quality and prevent contamination with mycotoxins.
• Develop Adequate Storage Infrastructure: Invest in modern storage facilities, such as silos and hermetic storage bags, to protect maize from pests and moisture. This will help maintain the quality of maize and reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring a stable supply for poultry feed.
• Promote Community Storage Solutions: Encourage the establishment of community or cooperative-based storage facilities where farmers can store their maize safely. This reduces individual storage costs and helps maintain maize quality over longer periods.

3. Strengthen Supply Chains and Market Access

• Improve Supply Chain Logistics: Develop better transport and logistics infrastructure to facilitate the efficient movement of maize from farms to poultry feed manufacturers. This includes improving roads, rail networks, and storage facilities at key points in the supply chain.
• Enhance Market Linkages: Strengthen market linkages between maize producers and poultry feed manufacturers. This can be done through contract farming arrangements, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives, which help farmers get better prices and ensure a steady supply of maize for feed.
• Facilitate Access to Finance: Provide easier access to credit and financial services for maize farmers and traders to invest in production, storage, and transportation. Financial support can also help farmers purchase inputs like quality seeds and fertilizers, which can improve yields and supply.

4. Promote Diversification and Year-Round Production

• Encourage Off-Season Production: Promote the cultivation of maize in the Rabi and Zaid seasons to ensure year-round availability. Provide necessary support, such as irrigation facilities, to make off-season maize production viable.
• Support Crop Diversification: Encourage crop diversification by integrating maize into crop rotation systems. This helps maintain soil health, reduce pest pressure, and increase overall farm productivity, ensuring a more consistent supply of maize.

5. Adopt Policy and Institutional Support

• Set Favourable Policies for Maize Cultivation: Implement policies that provide incentives for maize production, such as minimum support prices (MSP), input subsidies, and crop insurance schemes to protect farmers from price volatility and crop failures.
• Promote Research and Development (R&D): Invest in agricultural research and development to develop improved maize varieties, better pest and disease management practices, and advanced farming techniques. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in fostering innovation in maize production.
• Enhance Extension Services: Strengthen agricultural extension services to disseminate knowledge about improved maize cultivation practices, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling techniques. Extension services can help farmers adopt new technologies and improve productivity.

6. Encourage the Use of Alternative Feed Ingredients

• Develop Alternatives to Maize in Poultry Feed: Research and promote alternative feed ingredients, such as sorghum, millets, and other grains, which can partially replace maize in poultry diets. This can help reduce dependency on maize and ensure a steady supply of feed ingredients.
• Promote Use of By-Products: Encourage the use of agro-industrial by-products, such as rice bran and wheat bran, as supplements in poultry feed. This can diversify the feed ingredients and reduce pressure on maize supply.

7. Enhance Knowledge and Awareness

• Conduct Training Programs: Organize training programs and workshops for farmers, traders, and feed manufacturers to raise awareness about the importance of quality maize production, proper storage practices, and efficient feed formulation.
• Foster Collaboration and Networking: Facilitate collaboration between maize producers, poultry feed manufacturers, government agencies, and research institutions to share knowledge, best practices, and innovations that can enhance maize availability.

Way Forward:

Improving the availability of maize for poultry feed in India requires a holistic approach that includes enhancing production, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening supply chains, promoting year-round cultivation, supporting policies, and encouraging the use of alternative feed ingredients. By implementing these strategies, India can ensure a stable and sufficient supply of maize for the poultry industry, supporting the growth and sustainability of both maize production and poultry farming.