PROCESSING AND DISINFECTION OF BARLEY FEED GRAIN

Abstract

Seeds are biological entities known to release water through respiration. Within a silo, this moisture is distributed upward due to convective air currents. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the temperature differential between the warmer seeds at the silo's center and the cooler walls. If grain is stored at a humidity level below 12% and protected from insect infestation, increases in humidity in the upper layers of the seeds will likely remain minimal.
Conversely, should the grain be stored with humidity exceeding 12%, sufficient moisture can develop on the upper layer, fostering mold growth. Such conditions lead to microbial proliferation, rendering the grain unsuitable for livestock, poultry feed, and other by-products. Consequently, the eradication of harmful microflora during grain processing and storage represents a critical concern for farmers. Deficiencies in the final product may arise from the utilization of low-quality grain, deviations from production protocols, and non-adherence to established storage conditions and requirements.
The primary defects comprise impairments in organic and physicochemical properties, as well as microdefects. To avert contamination of food products, grains, and seeds, it is imperative that food grains undergo sterilization and disinfection above the prescribed standards prior to storage and transportation. The predominant methods of sterilization and disinfection include chemical coatings, thermal treatments, and cold treatments, or a combination of these biological approaches.
A key factor contributing to spoilage is the moisture content of the grains; thus, heating, utilizing the dry heat mechanism, has gained acceptance among major storage and transportation entities. To inhibit microbial activity, ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation) serves as an effective treatment method, utilized to disrupt microbial activity and eliminate grain pests through the interaction with electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum between visible light and X-rays.