{"id":28147,"date":"2026-07-20T09:54:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T02:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.poultryindonesia.com\/?p=28147"},"modified":"2026-07-20T11:00:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:00:47","slug":"the-impact-of-immature-corn-on-laying-hens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.poultryindonesia.com\/en\/the-impact-of-immature-corn-on-laying-hens\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Immature Corn on Laying Hens"},"content":{"rendered":"
By: Ir. Sopyan Haris, S.Pt., MM., IPU., ASEAN Eng., ACPE., APEC Eng.<\/h6>\n
A Hidden Threat Behind Declining Egg Production<\/em><\/h6>\n
In the laying hen industry, feed is the primary factor determining production success. It is no exaggeration to say that egg quality is largely influenced by the quality of feed consumed by hens each day. Among all feed ingredients used in layer diets, corn plays a particularly important role, accounting for approximately 50% of the formulation as the main source of dietary energy.<\/h6>\n
Under optimal conditions, high-quality corn can provide around 3,330 kcal\/kg of metabolizable energy (ME)<\/strong>. This energy is utilized by hens to maintain body functions, support egg production, increase egg weight, and improve feed efficiency or Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)<\/strong>.<\/h6>\n
\"\"However, in practice, the use of immature corn<\/strong>\u2014corn harvested before reaching full physiological maturity\u2014is frequently encountered. This often occurs due to market demand pressures or the desire to capitalize on high corn prices.<\/h6>\n
At first glance, immature corn may appear similar to fully mature corn once dried. Nutritionally, however, it has significant shortcomings that can directly affect the performance of laying hens. This issue often goes unnoticed, particularly among small- and medium-scale farmers, resulting in a gradual but consistent decline in egg productivity.<\/h6>\n
This article discusses the impact of using immature corn in layer feed and highlights the importance of utilizing high-quality, consistent feed such as 524 Alfa + Probiotic Feed<\/strong> as a practical and efficient solution for maintaining production performance.<\/h6>\n
Immature Corn and Reduced Feed Energy Value<\/h6>\n
\"\"The primary problem with immature corn lies in its lower metabolizable energy content. Corn harvested too early typically contains less than 3,100 kcal\/kg ME<\/strong>, significantly lower than the approximately 3,330 kcal\/kg<\/strong> provided by high-quality mature corn.<\/h6>\n
This reduced energy value occurs because the development of the germ (embryo)<\/strong> within the corn kernel is not yet complete. During the final stages of maturation, corn continues accumulating starch and building energy reserves. When harvested prematurely, this biological process is interrupted before completion, resulting in lower energy content.<\/h6>\n
In addition, immature corn generally contains higher moisture levels. To be used as a feed ingredient, it must undergo a drying process. However, drying cannot improve the energy quality of corn that was nutritionally underdeveloped from the outset. Instead, the kernels often become shriveled, lighter in weight, and less dense.<\/h6>\n
This is a common misconception in the field. Many farmers assume that as long as corn has been adequately dried, its quality is satisfactory. In reality, low moisture content does not automatically indicate high energy value. Even after drying, immature corn remains nutritionally inferior due to its lower metabolizable energy content.<\/h6>\n
This article is an excerpt from the Management section of Poultry Indonesia Magazine, July 2026 edition. Read the full article in Poultry Indonesia Magazine July 2026 edition. For subscriptions or further information, contact +62 877-8012-0754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/h6>\n
For more information about Indonesia\u2019s poultry industry, join the Satwa Media Group WhatsApp Channel.<\/em><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By: Ir. Sopyan Haris, S.Pt., MM., IPU., ASEAN Eng., ACPE., APEC Eng. A Hidden Threat Behind Declining Egg Production In the laying hen industry, feed is the primary factor determining production success. It is no exaggeration to say that egg quality is largely influenced by the quality of feed consumed by hens each day. Among […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":28126,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[54],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n