Comparison of Field-Drying, Sun-Drying, and Autoclave-Oven Drying on the Physical Quality of Corn for Poultry Feed
Raysha Sabrina Zoraida (1), Muhammad Halim Natsir (2), Feri Eko Hermanto (2), Yuli Frita Nuningtyas (2*)

1) Student of Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
2) Lecture of Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
*Corresponding author: fritanuningtyas[at]ub.ac.id

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 and 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 (percent wet basis), water activity (aw), and bulk density (g/L). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and significant differences among treatments were further tested using Duncan^s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that drying methods influenced the physical quality of corn. Moisture content ranged from 11.90% to 12.98%, while aw values ranged between 0.712 and 0.799. Although both parameters were not significantly different (p > 0.05), the autoclaved and oven-dried corn showed a tendency toward higher moisture and aw values. In contrast, bulk density was significantly affected (p < 0.001), with the highest value found in field-dried corn (775.83 +/- 8.42 g/L), followed by autoclaved and oven-dried corn (755.17 +/- 7.19 g/L), and the lowest in sun-dried corn (720.50 +/- 9.57 g/L). In conclusion, the autoclaving process reduced corn density and increased porosity, indicating physical modification due to heat and pressure. Meanwhile, sun-drying produced the most stable physical characteristics for storage, whereas autoclaving potentially enhances starch gelatinization and digestibility for poultry feed.

Keywords: Corn, Drying method, Water activity, Bulk density, Autoclave, Feed quality

Topic: Animal Nutrition