# Nutritional Value of Whole Corn Germ Obtained by the Wet Method for Poultry

## TL;DR

This study shows that whole corn germ obtained by the wet method is a high-energy, nutrient-rich ingredient suitable for poultry diets.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on the amino acid and fatty acid digestibility and metabolizable energy of whole corn germ for poultry.

## Key findings

- Corn germ meal has high amino acid digestibility coefficients, with values ranging from 740 to 980 g/kg.
- Fatty acid digestibility averages 850 g/kg, and metabolizable energy is 4934 kcal/kg.
- Corn germ meal is a valuable ingredient for poultry diets due to its high energy and nutrient digestibility.

## Abstract

This study assessed the nutritional value of corn germ meal in chicken diets, emphasizing its amino acid and fatty acid digestibility and metabolizable energy. The results demonstrated that corn germ meal possesses high digestibility for amino acids and fatty acids and a high energy content. These findings suggest that corn germ meal is a valuable ingredient for poultry diets, particularly for those requiring enhanced energy concentrations and nutrient-efficient utilization.

This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of whole corn germ (WCG) in the diet of chickens. Amino acid digestibility, fatty acid digestibility, and metabolizable energy were evaluated. A metabolism assay was conducted using the precise feeding method on roosters. A completely randomized design was used, with two treatments and ten replications per rooster in each experimental unit. The treatments were as follows: WCG1, precise feeding with WCG; and WCG2, fasting birds to determine metabolic and endogenous losses in energy and fat. The variables analyzed were coefficients for amino acids in corn germ meal and fatty acid digestibility. The results showed that the standardized digestibility coefficients for amino acids in corn germ meal were (in g/kg) as follows: Lys, 920; Thr, 780; Met + Cys, 800; Arg, 910; His, 890; Ile, 950; Leu, 970; Phe + Tyr, 870; Val, 980; Gly + Ser, 740; Ala, 960; Asp, 870; and Glu, 930. The average fatty acid digestibility and AMEn were 850 g/kg and 4934 kcal/kg, respectively. Corn germ meal, which showed high digestibility of nutrients and energy, is considered an interesting ingredient for diets requiring high energy concentration.