Comparison of Field-Drying, Sun-Drying, and Autoclave-Oven Drying on the Physical Quality of Corn for Poultry Feed

¹ Faculty of Animal Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia
² Department of Animal Science and Fishery, Rajamanggala University of Technology Lanna, 128 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different drying methods on the physical characteristics of corn, including moisture content, water activity (aw), and bulk density as indicators of feed quality for poultry. Three drying methods were compared: (1) field-dried corn, representing naturally dried grain harvested from farmers; (2) sun-dried corn, dried directly under sunlight after shelling; and (3) autoclaved + oven-dried corn, representing a controlled thermal treatment. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. Measured parameters included moisture content (% wet basis), water activity (aw), and bulk density (g/L). Data were analyzed using oneway ANOVA and significant differences among treatments were further tested using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the drying method had no significant effect on moisture content (11.90-12.98%) and aw (0.712-0.799; p > 0.05). The lowest aw value was found in sun-dried corn, indicating better storage stability and feed safety. Bulk density was significantly affected by the drying method (p < 0.001). The highest density value was obtained in field-dried corn (775.83 ± 8.42 g/L), while the autoclave-oven treatment reduced the density (755.17 ± 7.19 g/L) due to an increase in material porosity. In conclusion, combination of autoclave and oven drying can be recommended as an effective method for reducing the moisture content and water activity of corn without compromising its physical quality, making it suitable for use as a feed ingredient for broilers with more assured quality.