NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF MAIZE STORED IN WOODEN GRAIN SILO

B. A. Alabadan; C. Oramulu; H. C. Nzelu

B. A. Alabadan Federal University of Technology, Minna
C. Oramulu Federal University of Technology, Minna
H. C. Nzelu Federal University of Technology, Minna

Keywords: nutrients, maize, storage, silo, wood

Abstract

Grain storage has as objective, the uninterrupted availability of grain of adequate quantity and quality at all time. The situation in the grain producing areas of Nigeria is currently that of considerable losses during post-harvest grain handling. The study looks into quality changes in maize (Zea mays) stored in wooden silo for three months (June to September). Changes in the nutrient content such as crude protein, crude fibre, lipid, carbohydrate and ash were investigated. Crude protein, crude fibre, lipid and ash reduced by 0.9-1.03%,0.7-0.9%,0.3% and 0.4% respectively while carbohydrate increased by 1.64-1.77% during storage period. This reduction resulted from heat damage of the germ portion of some kernels, respiration, oxygenation of the unsaturated lipids, denaturizing of protein, sedimentation of colloids and rancidity of lipids. From this investigation, it has been found that maize grains can be stored for more than 3 months before deterioration due to mould growth and insect attack in Minna located in the tropics

Author Biographies

B. A. Alabadan, Federal University of Technology, Minna

Department of Agricultural Engineering

C. Oramulu, Federal University of Technology, Minna

Department of Agricultural Engineering

H. C. Nzelu, Federal University of Technology, Minna

Department of Agricultural Engineering