Abstract
The use of by- or co-products in livestock production is not a novel concept. However, as adoption of a novel feed ingredient increases, the cost efficiency of its use generally decreases. Therefore, discovery of novel feed ingredients is a worthwhile academic pursuit. Our objective was to determine the storage stability of popcorn (Zea mays L.) in terms of gain or loss in nutritive value. Popcorn was collected on consecutive weekdays in two wk from a local cinema. Samples (n = 10) were subdivided into 9 aliquots and subjected to storage, uncovered, for 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 35, 70, 105, and 140 d. Following the assigned storage time, samples were dried at 55°C to determine weight loss. Samples were dried at 55°C, ground to pass through a 2-mm screen, and subjected to a batch-culture in vitro assay for digestibility estimates [in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD)]. Subsamples were ground to 1 mm assayed for neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. There was a linear increase (P < 0.01) in weight following open storage which was attributed to absorption of ambient moisture. There was a linear decrease (P = 0.03) in NDF, with values decreasing from 20.2% at d 0 to 16.6% at d 140. However, there was no effect of storage on ADF (P = 0.29), IVTD (P = 0.38), or IVNDFD (P = 0.37). Results are interpreted to mean that waste popcorn is relatively shelf stable and may be a viable candidate as a feedstock for diet formulation.
Keywords: popcorn, waste, shelf stability