Member Dr. BISHNU HARI
MemberForum Replies Created
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Thanks Mohamed for your insightful answer
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Great details dear Hamza
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TD is a metabolic bone disorder in poultry that disrupts normal bone and cartilage formation, leading to lameness and deformities in the tibia.
Prevalence: Common in fast-growing broilers, with prevalence increasing by up to 30% in some flocks.
Economic impact: Causes welfare issues and financial losses in the poultry industry.
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how will affect the simultaneous use of organic acid and vitamins in feed and water on vitamins efficacy?
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antibiitics free control of microorganisms a good way. informative
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What other on-site data collection tasks in aquaculture could benefit from similar mobile AI tools?
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Good
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Appreciated
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13-14%
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There is a lot to be learned…. Thanks for the responses friends…
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Informative write-up
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Maintain maize grain moisture between 12.5 ± 0.5% during silo storage, allowing ≤ 1% moisture loss over the storage period for best quality and minimum economic loss.
Sakthivel V P
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This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by India.
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This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Aeration Fan Operation – Best Practices for Mold & Moisture Control
Aeration fans should be used strategically to maintain cool, uniform grain temperatures and prevent moisture build-up. Operate fans during the coolest and driest times of day, typically between 10 PM and 7 AM, when ambient air temperature is low and relative humidity (RH) is below 70 %. Cool night air helps remove residual field heat and equalize temperatures throughout the silo.
Avoid running fans during humid, foggy, or rainy weather, as warm or moist air can add moisture to grain and create conditions for mold growth. Begin aeration when grain temperature exceeds ambient by 4–6 °C, and continue until the difference (ΔT) narrows to 2–3 °C. This prevents hot spots and reduces insect activity.
During the post-harvest period, continuous aeration for 2–3 days helps remove field heat. Thereafter, use intermittent aeration runs (4–6 hours each) to maintain uniform temperature. In warmer months, short night-time aeration cycles prevent heating at the top layers.
For optimal efficiency, equip silos with automatic aeration controllers linked to temperature and humidity sensors. Such systems activate fans only when conditions are favorable, conserving power while safeguarding grain quality.
Sakthivel V P
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Preventive Approaches to Reduce Mold & Mycotoxin Risk in Grain Storage Silos
Preventive Approaches to Reduce Mold & Mycotoxin Risk in Grain Storage Silos 1. Grain Quality at Intake
• Preventive Actions: Accept only properly dried, clean, and uninfested grains. Remove broken, immature, or moldy kernels before storage.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Moisture ≤ 13–13.5% for maize; impurities ≤ 2%.
2. Pre-Drying & Moisture Control
• Preventive Actions: Dry grains quickly after harvest. Use mechanical dryers or aeration to reduce surface moisture. Avoid over-drying (grain cracking).
• Key Notes / Parameters: Target equilibrium moisture: 12–13%.
3. Temperature Management
• Preventive Actions: Maintain uniform grain temperature. Aerate to prevent hot spots. Use temperature cables and ΔT monitoring.
• Key Notes / Parameters: ΔT (grain vs ambient) ≤ 2–3°C.
4. Aeration & Ventilation
• Preventive Actions: Operate aeration fans during cool, dry periods. Ensure even airflow distribution. Periodically reverse air direction if possible.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Keep relative humidity of inlet air < 70%.
5. Hygiene & Sanitation
• Preventive Actions: Clean silos, conveyors, pits, and augers before filling. Remove old residues and dust. Sanitize with approved fumigants/insecticides.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Avoid cross-contamination from old stocks.
6. Insect & Pest Control
• Preventive Actions: Inspect regularly and treat as per schedule. Maintain sealed silo to prevent pest entry.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Pests increase moisture and fungal activity.
7. CO₂ & Moisture Monitoring
• Preventive Actions: Use CO₂ sensors to detect biological activity early. Check for condensation near walls and roof.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Sudden CO₂ rise → fungal activity alert.
8. Regular Sampling & Testing
• Preventive Actions: Perform monthly grain sampling for mold count and mycotoxin screening (Aflatoxin, DON, Fumonisin, etc.).
• Key Notes / Parameters: Keep logbook and trend data for traceability.
9. Rotation & FIFO Practice
• Preventive Actions: Implement First In–First Out. Avoid prolonged storage of one batch.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Prevents aging and fungal growth.
10. Use of Mold Inhibitors
• Preventive Actions: Apply organic acids (propionic, acetic) or commercial mold inhibitors if long-term storage is expected.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Ensure even distribution during loading.
11. Weather & Humidity Monitoring
• Preventive Actions: Record daily ambient humidity and temperature. Avoid aeration during humid or rainy weather.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Use automated weather-linked aeration control.
12. Roof & Seal Integrity
• Preventive Actions: Inspect for leaks, condensation, and poor insulation. Maintain waterproof seals and vents.
• Key Notes / Parameters: Prevents moisture ingress and caking
Sakthivel V p
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Silo Storage Efficiency of Maize refers to how effectively a silo system maintains grain quality, minimizes losses, and optimizes storage costs over time. Efficient storage ensures the maize remains safe for feed production with minimal deterioration, insect infestation, or moisture migration.
Best Practices for Maize Silo Storage
Ø Dry grain uniformly to below 13% before filling the silo.
Ø Regularly monitor grain temperature and moisture (automated probes preferred).
Ø Use aeration fans during cool night hours for temperature equalization.
Ø Maintain a temperature logbook and record ΔT trends.
Ø Inspect roof vents and aeration ducts for blockage or corrosion.
Ø Rotate stored grain lots (FIFO) to avoid long-term stagnation.
Ø Fumigate periodically and ensure insect control protocols.
Sakthivel V P
