Olaiya Oluseyi
MemberForum Replies Created
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It includes moisture management, ingredient and pellet quality issues, and nutrient degradation.
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Mohamed Hamada Nasser
MemberOctober 16, 2025 at 11:31 am in reply to: shrinkage percentage of corn grainsIf corn starts at <strong data-start=”157″ data-end=”180″>15% moisture (w.b.) and dries toward equilibrium under <strong data-start=”216″ data-end=”241″>35–49°C and 60–70% RH, final moisture will typically end up roughly <strong data-start=”288″ data-end=”304″>≈11–13% w.b. depending on exact RH/time. That gives an expected <strong data-start=”356″ data-end=”388″>weight shrinkage ≈ 2.3%–4.5% of the stored grain mass (example calculations below).
<strong data-start=”445″ data-end=”469″>How I calculated it:<br data-start=”469″ data-end=”472″> For 1 kg wet grain with initial moisture <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>i</mi></msub></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>M_i</annotation></semantics></math>Mi and final moisture <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>f</mi></msub></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>M_f</annotation></semantics></math>Mf (both as decimal wet-basis), final mass = <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><mo stretchy=”false”>(</mo><mn>1</mn><mo>−</mo><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo stretchy=”false”>)</mo><mi mathvariant=”normal”>/</mi><mo stretchy=”false”>(</mo><mn>1</mn><mo>−</mo><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>f</mi></msub><mo stretchy=”false”>)</mo></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>(1-M_i)/(1-M_f)</annotation></semantics></math>(1−Mi)/(1−Mf).<br data-start=”610″ data-end=”613″> Shrinkage (%) = <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><mstyle displaystyle=”true” scriptlevel=”0″><mfrac><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo>−</mo><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>f</mi></msub></mrow><mrow><mn>1</mn><mo>−</mo><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>f</mi></msub></mrow></mfrac></mstyle><mo>×</mo><mn>100</mn></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>\dfrac{M_i-M_f}{1-M_f}\times100</annotation></semantics></math>1−MfMi−Mf×100.
Examples:
<ul data-start=”679″ data-end=”831″>
If <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>f</mi></msub><mo>=</mo><mn>13</mn><mi mathvariant=”normal”>%</mi></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>M_f=13\%</annotation></semantics></math>Mf=13%: shrinkage = <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><mo stretchy=”false”>(</mo><mn>15</mn><mo>−</mo><mn>13</mn><mo stretchy=”false”>)</mo><mi mathvariant=”normal”>/</mi><mo stretchy=”false”>(</mo><mn>100</mn><mo>−</mo><mn>13</mn><mo stretchy=”false”>)</mo><mo>=</mo><mn>2</mn><mi mathvariant=”normal”>/</mi><mn>87</mn><mo>=</mo><mn>2.30</mn><mi mathvariant=”normal”>%</mi></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>(15-13)/(100-13)=2/87=2.30\%</annotation></semantics></math>(15−13)/(100−13)=2/87=2.30%.
If <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>f</mi></msub><mo>=</mo><mn>12</mn><mi mathvariant=”normal”>%</mi></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>M_f=12\%</annotation></semantics></math>Mf=12%: shrinkage ≈ <strong data-start=”777″ data-end=”786″>3.41%.
If <math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML”><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>f</mi></msub><mo>=</mo><mn>11</mn><mi mathvariant=”normal”>%</mi></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>M_f=11\%</annotation></semantics></math>Mf=11%: shrinkage ≈ <strong data-start=”821″ data-end=”830″>4.49%.
<strong data-start=”833″ data-end=”861″>Practical notes & risks:
<ul data-start=”864″ data-end=”1263″>
High temperature (35–49°C) and moderate–high RH (60–70%) accelerate moisture migration and heating — increases risk of spoilage, insect activity and mycotoxin development even if gross shrinkage seems modest.
Shrinkage happens until the grain reaches its equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for the given temperature & RH — that can take days–weeks depending on silo ventilation and bulk depth.
<strong data-start=”1265″ data-end=”1304″>Recommendations to minimize losses:
<ul data-start=”1307″ data-end=”1663″>
Cool and aerate the silo when outside air is cooler/drier (night-time aeration helps).
Monitor silo temperature and probe moisture at several depths regularly.
Target storage moisture ≤14% on intake for warm climates; the lower the better for long storage.
Remove hotspots, turn or unload if heating is detected; consider drying if necessary.If corn starts at 15% moisture (w.b.) and dries toward equilibrium under 35–49°C and 60–70% RH, final moisture will typically end up roughly ≈11–13% w.b. depending on exact RH/time. That gives an expected weight shrinkage ≈ 2.3%–4.5% of the stored grain mass (example calculations below).
How I calculated it:
For 1 kg wet grain with initial moisture
𝑀
𝑖
M
i
and final moisture
𝑀
𝑓
M
f
(both as decimal wet-basis), final mass =
(
1
−
𝑀
𝑖
)
/
(
1
−
𝑀
𝑓
)
(1−M
i
)/(1−M
f
).
Shrinkage (%) =
𝑀
𝑖
−
𝑀
𝑓
1
−
𝑀
𝑓
×
100
1−M
f
M
i
−M
f
×100.
Examples:
If
𝑀
𝑓
=
13
%
M
f
=13%: shrinkage =
(
15
−
13
)
/
(
100
−
13
)
=
2
/
87
=
2.30
%
(15−13)/(100−13)=2/87=2.30%.If
𝑀
𝑓
=
12
%
M
f
=12%: shrinkage ≈ 3.41%.
If
𝑀
𝑓
=
11
%
M
f
=11%: shrinkage ≈ 4.49%.
Practical notes & risks:
High temperature (35–49°C) and moderate–high RH (60–70%) accelerate moisture migration and heating — increases risk of spoilage, insect activity and mycotoxin development even if gross shrinkage seems modest.
Shrinkage happens until the grain reaches its equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for the given temperature & RH — that can take days–weeks depending on silo ventilation and bulk depth.
Recommendations to minimize losses:
Cool and aerate the silo when outside air is cooler/drier (night-time aeration helps).
Monitor silo temperature and probe moisture at several depths regularly.
Target storage moisture ≤14% on intake for warm climates; the lower the better for long storage.
Remove hotspots, turn or unload if heating is detected; consider drying if necessary.
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It includes <mark>moisture management, ingredient and pellet quality issues, and nutrient degradation</mark>.
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It’s highly appreciated
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3-4 hours interval between feeding increase Digestion, growth and FCR
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Nowadays, apart from crude protein, amino acid-based formulations are recommended minimum SID Lys needed is 1.26 to 1.28 % for the prestarter phase. From this SID Lys, you calculate the minimum required CP in your diet, eg, SID Lys is 1.28, factor 6, 1.28 *100/6 = 21.3 %. Reference Brazilian std.
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evaluate the effect on feeding mash for a periof of time with pellets/crumbles.
how often is water available in your pen.?increase water availability
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The single most effective feed-related change (unrelated to heat stress) that improves bird growth is optimizing the feed’s physical quality, specifically by switching from mash to a good-quality pellet/crumb form.
Brief Answer:
Switching from mash to pelleted or crumbled feed to increase feed consumption, reduce wastage, and improve nutrient digestibility.
Explanation:
* Increased Intake: Birds can consume pellets much faster than mash, reducing the energy they expend on eating and increasing their total nutrient intake per day.
* Reduced Wastage: Pellets are denser and less dusty than mash, which significantly reduces spillage and dust loss from the feeder.
* Better Conversion: The pelleting process involves heat and moisture, which breaks down starches, kills pathogens, and improves the overall digestibility of the feed, leading to a lower Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)—meaning the bird gains more weight per pound of feed consumed.The single most effective feed-related change (unrelated to heat stress) that improves bird growth is optimizing the feed’s physical quality, specifically by switching from mash to a good-quality pellet/crumb form.
Brief Answer:
Switching from mash to pelleted or crumbled feed to increase feed consumption, reduce wastage, and improve nutrient digestibility.
Explanation:
* Increased Intake: Birds can consume pellets much faster than mash, reducing the energy they expend on eating and increasing their total nutrient intake per day.
* Reduced Wastage: Pellets are denser and less dusty than mash, which significantly reduces spillage and dust loss from the feeder.
* Better Conversion: The pelleting process involves heat and moisture, which breaks down starches, kills pathogens, and improves the overall digestibility of the feed, leading to a lower Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)—meaning the bird gains more weight per pound of feed consumed. -
<strong data-start=”0″ data-end=”12″>Broilers give <strong data-start=”18″ data-end=”35″ data-is-only-node=””>quick returns from meat sales (within 6–8 weeks) but carry <strong data-start=”81″ data-end=”103″>higher market risk and need tight cost control.<br data-start=”132″ data-end=”135″> <strong data-start=”135″ data-end=”145″>Layers, on the other hand, provide a <strong data-start=”176″ data-end=”193″>steady income over a longer period (up to 2 years) through <strong data-start=”239″ data-end=”252″>egg sales, with lower short-term risk but slower payback.Broilers give quick returns from meat sales (within 6–8 weeks) but carry higher market risk and need tight cost control.
Layers, on the other hand, provide a steady income over a longer period (up to 2 years) through egg sales, with lower short-term risk but slower payback. -
Pathogens can sometimes be found in feed samples — especially if <strong data-start=”65″ data-end=”113″>raw materials or storage conditions are poor. Common ones include <strong data-start=”135″ data-end=”149″>Salmonella, <strong data-start=”151″ data-end=”162″>E. coli, and <strong data-start=”168″ data-end=”183″>Clostridium species. Regular <strong data-start=”201″ data-end=”264″>feed hygiene checks, proper heat treatment, and dry storage help prevent contamination and ensure feed safety.Pathogens can sometimes be found in feed samples — especially if raw materials or storage conditions are poor. Common ones include Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium species. Regular feed hygiene checks, proper heat treatment, and dry storage help prevent contamination and ensure feed safety.
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Although ostriches grow fast and produce valuable meat, leather, and feathers, they aren’t raised worldwide mainly because of <strong data-start=”126″ data-end=”172″>climate, management, and market challenges. They need <strong data-start=”184″ data-end=”210″>warm, dry environments, <strong data-start=”212″ data-end=”233″>large open spaces, and <strong data-start=”239″ data-end=”259″>special handling that many regions can’t provide efficiently. Also, <strong data-start=”311″ data-end=”392″>high startup costs, limited processing facilities, and unstable market demand make large-scale ostrich farming less feasible outside Africa.Although ostriches grow fast and produce valuable meat, leather, and feathers, they aren’t raised worldwide mainly because of climate, management, and market challenges. They need warm, dry environments, large open spaces, and special handling that many regions can’t provide efficiently. Also, high startup costs, limited processing facilities, and unstable market demand make large-scale ostrich farming less feasible outside Africa.
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While ostriches are indeed farmed commercially in a few non-African countries like Iran and parts of the United States and Australia, they are not raised commercially worldwide due and South Africa’s dominance.
The primary reasons for the lack of widespread commercial ostrich farming outside of Africa are related to infrastructure, market development, and biological challenges.
1. Lack of Established Infrastructure and Market
The biggest hurdle for the ostrich industry outside of Africa is the absence of a vertically integrated supply chain, which South Africa spent decades developing.
* Processing Infrastructure: There is a severe lack of specialized, EU-approved abattoirs and processing facilities dedicated solely to ostriches. Ostrich processing is complex due to the size of the bird and the need to preserve the valuable hide, meat, and feathers separately and hygienically for export.
* Market Development: The global market for ostrich products (meat, leather, and feathers) is small and niche. Producers in new regions struggle to find reliable, high-volume buyers. The market is often production-led (farmers produce and then seek buyers) rather than demand-led (producers supply a known contract), leading to volatile prices and fierce competition.
* South African Monopoly: South Africa has a near-monopoly on the global ostrich market, particularly for high-end leather. They have controlled the genetics and the processing chain for over a century, making it incredibly difficult for smaller, international competitors to gain market share.
2. Biological and Technical Challenges
While ostriches are hardy birds, raising them efficiently for commercial slaughter is technically demanding, especially for new producers.
* High Reproductive Problems: Ostrich farming often struggles with low fertility and high embryonic mortality in eggs, meaning fewer chicks per breeding pair compared to poultry.
* Chicks are Fragile: Ostrich chicks are susceptible to various health issues, including post-hatching leg deformities and digestive problems (starve-out deaths), resulting in a high mortality rate during the first few months of life.
* High Initial Cost: The initial investment required for breeding stock, secure fencing, and specialized housing is significantly higher than for traditional poultry or livestock.
3. Economic and Regulatory Issues
* High Feed Costs: Outside of their native arid environment where they can utilize inexpensive fiber-rich forage, farmers in intensive systems often rely on expensive commercial feed, which dramatically increases production costs and reduces profit margins.
* Regulatory Fit: In many non-traditional farming countries (like those in the EU), the ostrich does not fit neatly into existing regulatory frameworks for livestock, creating confusion regarding animal welfare, slaughter standards, and health certification for trade.
* “Fad” Industry: Historically, interest in ostrich farming outside Africa has been driven by speculative “breeder bird” sales (selling birds for their high price rather than their meat/leather production) rather than sustainable commercial meat production, leading to market collapses once the initial excitement wore off.While ostriches are indeed farmed commercially in a few non-African countries like Iran and parts of the United States and Australia, they are not raised commercially worldwide due and South Africa’s dominance.
The primary reasons for the lack of widespread commercial ostrich farming outside of Africa are related to infrastructure, market development, and biological challenges.
1. Lack of Established Infrastructure and Market
The biggest hurdle for the ostrich industry outside of Africa is the absence of a vertically integrated supply chain, which South Africa spent decades developing.
* Processing Infrastructure: There is a severe lack of specialized, EU-approved abattoirs and processing facilities dedicated solely to ostriches. Ostrich processing is complex due to the size of the bird and the need to preserve the valuable hide, meat, and feathers separately and hygienically for export.
* Market Development: The global market for ostrich products (meat, leather, and feathers) is small and niche. Producers in new regions struggle to find reliable, high-volume buyers. The market is often production-led (farmers produce and then seek buyers) rather than demand-led (producers supply a known contract), leading to volatile prices and fierce competition.
* South African Monopoly: South Africa has a near-monopoly on the global ostrich market, particularly for high-end leather. They have controlled the genetics and the processing chain for over a century, making it incredibly difficult for smaller, international competitors to gain market share.
2. Biological and Technical Challenges
While ostriches are hardy birds, raising them efficiently for commercial slaughter is technically demanding, especially for new producers.
* High Reproductive Problems: Ostrich farming often struggles with low fertility and high embryonic mortality in eggs, meaning fewer chicks per breeding pair compared to poultry.
* Chicks are Fragile: Ostrich chicks are susceptible to various health issues, including post-hatching leg deformities and digestive problems (starve-out deaths), resulting in a high mortality rate during the first few months of life.
* High Initial Cost: The initial investment required for breeding stock, secure fencing, and specialized housing is significantly higher than for traditional poultry or livestock.
3. Economic and Regulatory Issues
* High Feed Costs: Outside of their native arid environment where they can utilize inexpensive fiber-rich forage, farmers in intensive systems often rely on expensive commercial feed, which dramatically increases production costs and reduces profit margins.
* Regulatory Fit: In many non-traditional farming countries (like those in the EU), the ostrich does not fit neatly into existing regulatory frameworks for livestock, creating confusion regarding animal welfare, slaughter standards, and health certification for trade.
* “Fad” Industry: Historically, interest in ostrich farming outside Africa has been driven by speculative “breeder bird” sales (selling birds for their high price rather than their meat/leather production) rather than sustainable commercial meat production, leading to market collapses once the initial excitement wore off.

