KOFA GRAIN -pH 5-
The on-farm preservation, storage and preparation of farm produced grain, increases the productivity on an agricultural enterprise, and contributes to the supply of feed with known quality and composition (SANFT-LEBEN und DRESCHEL 2003)
In very few cases, fresh grain is harvested with a water content which allows a risk-free storage. Once the free moisture content exceeds 14%, and no stabilising measures are implemented, a massive development of microorganisms such as mold and yeast is inevitable.
Not only the microbes found on the surface, which are relatively easy to remove, but also the microbes which have already infected the corn underneath the pericarb play a role, thereby causing a permanent threat to the storage stability.
Hidden infections in Wheat
Storage fungi (such as species of the genus Penicillium and Aspergillus), also find protection in the spaces underneath the husk, which germinate in warm and moist conditions. The result of this development is an extreme rise in temperature.
Comparison of different preservation methods
During the drying process of cereals, the development harmful microbes are inhibited through dehydration. However a large number become dormant and outlast these conditions, until favourable environmental conditions arise in which they germinate, leading to spoilage.
Due to the continuous rise in energy prices, high resource requirements and avoidable emission levels, the technical drying of fodder cereals is neither an economical nor ecological option.
Preserving moist cereals with concentrated propionic acid has been tested in practice and is effective. However, due to its strong corrosive character, there is a high risk for the user and equipment during application. Buffering propionic acid comes with a distinct loss of efficiency which needs to be counterbalanced with a higher dose. In addition, strongly buffered products can not be applied in feed with a moisture content of >20% and therefore are not suitable for the preservation of grain maize.
Innovation & Safety
KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- shows the same effect as corrosive propionic acid. However, it offers the user the advantage of applying a safe and non-corrosive product.
Through the excellent complementation of chemical and antimicrobial characteristics of the used ingredients, a safe method for the preservation of cereals and maize with up to 40% moisture content is possible.
The selection of preservatives was made on the basis of their inhibitory effect against moulds and yeasts. Besides propionic acid and sodium propionate, KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- also contains sodium benzoate.
The patented manufacturing method and the active buffering of the components which, under normal circumstances, are not miscible, leads to the good handling and application characteristics of this innovative preservative!
KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- is the only preservative with EU approval (E 700) that is composed of different active substances.
Results confirm the effect!
Extensive and systematic approval studies on the necessary dose of KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- were conducted at different recognized research institutions. Throughout the testing period, the results have consistently shown that the same dose of KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- offers the same protection against fungal spoilage as concentrated propionic acid.
Detection method for mould infestation of maize grains; LWK Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) 2005
Additional advantages of grain preservation with KOFA GRAIN -pH 5-
More flexibility and independence!
An early harvest independent from wheather conditions, not only reduces the risk of mould infections in the field, but also the formation of mycotoxins. This approach however, requires the subsequent preservation with e.g. KOFA GRAIN -pH 5-.
The graph on the right, illustrates the link between harvest date and concentration of one of the most important Fusarium toxins in maize: DON (Deoxynivalenol). Similar results have been seen for DON and Zearalenon in wheat (MATTHÄUS a.o.2004)
Earlier harvest means:
- Improved hygienic quality of cereals
- Extension of the harvesting period
- Flexible planning, therefore reduction of the peak work periods.
KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- ensures better performance
The following tables demonstrate the effects of KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- on feed quality and performance of piglets, in comparison with using dried or fresh grains (STALLJOHANN et al. 2007).
For all investigated microorganisms, the application of the preservative lead to a drastically reduced microbial counts. As a result of the improved feed hygiene of the used grains as well as the effect of the acids in the animal, the use of KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- increased feed intake and live-weight gain.
Traceability
KOFA GRAIN -ph5- offers the advantage, that one of its components (sodium benzoate) is non-volatile and therefore is retained even after a long duration of storage of the treated grain. As a result full traceability of the use of KOFA GRAIN -pH 5- is provided.
Results of practice
• Flexible date of harvest
• No rust on machinery
• High performance with little technical effort
• Visibly positive effect in animals
KOFA GRAIN -pH 5-
The patented preservative for high moisture grain and maize
Due to its effectivness and user-friendliness, KOFA GRAIN –ph 5- sets new standards for preservatives. In addition to financial benefits compared to the classic drying method, KOFA GRAIN-ph 5- offers the security of concentrated acid at extremely corrosivity. The use of KOFA GRAIN –ph 5- enables grain harvest at the optimal time.
The impressive action of KOFA GRAIN –pH 5- is based on strong synergistic effects due to its chemical and anti-microbial characteristics and unprecedented combination of active ingredients propionic acid and sodium benzoate.
KOFA GRAIN -pH 5-
• Strong against yeast and mould
• Patented combination of ingredients with EU approval (E 700)
• Non-corrosive, non-hazardous
• Treated cereals can be fed immediately
Technical Details:
Composition:
sodium benzoate, propionic acid and sodium propionate
Density: 1.115 g / cm3
pH: ca. 5.0
Dosage: see table
Dosage of KOFA GRAIN –ph 5- in l/t
For cereals having a lower moisture level, the application of 1-3 l/t KOFA GRAIN –pH 5- is recommended for prophylactic reasons.