Production and Uses of Hominy Feed
Cornmeal feed is produced from dried hominy, which is corn that has been treated with lye or lime in a process known as nixtamalization. This process removes the hard outer hull and germ of the corn kernel, increasing its digestibility. Once the corn has gone through nixtamalization, it is dried and then ground into coarse particles to produce cornmeal feed.
The primary use of cornmeal feed is as a nutritional supplement for livestock. It is higher in protein and easier for animals to digest than untreated corn kernels. Poultry, cattle, pigs and other livestock readily consume cornmeal feed either on its own or mixed with other grains in compound feed rations. The high energy and nutrient content of Hominy Feed supports growth and productivity in these animals.
Nutritional Profile of Hominy Feed
Nutritionally, cornmeal feed is similar to dried distillers grains, a co-product of ethanol production. On average, cornmeal feed contains:
- 10-12% crude protein.
- 3-4% total fat.
- 70-75% total digestible nutrients.
- 30-35% neutral detergent fiber.
- 3500 kcal/lb metabolizable energy.
The removal of the corn germ and hull through nixtamalization increases the protein content compared to whole corn kernels. Cornmeal feed also has higher levels of phosphorus, zinc and other minerals that are important for animal health and performance. Its fiber content provides roughage while allowing more energy to be extracted than untreated corn.
Pricing and Supply of Cornmeal feed
As an agriculturally-produced feed ingredient, cornmeal feed prices fluctuate based on corn prices and supply/demand dynamics. When corn is abundant and inexpensive, cornmeal feed also decreases in price, and vice versa. Currently, delivered prices for cornmeal feed range from $160-190 per ton.
The United States is one of the world's top corn producers and processors, giving it significant cornmeal feed manufacturing capabilities. Major producing states include Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska and others in the Corn Belt region. Leading companies such as Cargill and Ingredion operate wet and dry mills to produce cornmeal feed year-round for domestic livestock feed s.
Trends Supporting Cornmeal feed Demand
Several trends in the global agricultural industry point to ongoing and potentially rising demand for cornmeal feed:
- Growth of global meat consumption as populations and incomes increase, particularly in developing nations. More meat production requires more feed.
- Rising animal feed costs are making producers search for alternative, cost-effective feeds like hominy. Its energy and nutrient density provide good value.
- International export demand for US-grown distillers grains and cornmeal feed is steadily growing from countries with burgeoning livestock industries like Mexico and China.
- Grain reserves are smaller now than in past years due to reduced government stockpiling programs. This makes industries rely more heavily on produced feed sources like hominy to ensure supply consistency.
- Quality assurance is highly valued in commercial feeds. Well-regulated processes in major hominy mills provide consistent, safe product for discerning international s.
So in summary, with increasing global meat needs, volatile grain s and a reliable supply system, cornmeal feed appears well-positioned to play an ongoing role as an important livestock feed ingredient for both domestic and export demand. Its nutritional properties and price point relative to alternatives support ongoing and potential future volume growth.
This article has provided an overview of cornmeal feed as a nutritious corn-based product widely used in livestock rations. The nixtamalization process creates hominy that is dried and ground into a coarse particle, high-energy feed. Cornmeal feed delivers protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber to poultry, cattle, pigs and other animals at a competitive price. Supported by dynamics in the global feed industry, demand for cornmeal feed is expected to remain solid for both domestic producers and international export.
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