Publication no. C-1999-1007-04R |  VIEW ARTICLE

Effect of Corn Moisture on the Properties of Pet Food Extrudates (1).

J. M. Mathew (2,3), R. C. Hoseney (2,4), and J. M. Faubion (2,5). (1) Contribution No. 98-336-J from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station. (2) Graduate research assistant and professors, respectively, Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Shellenberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. (3) Present address: Frito Lay, Inc., Dallas, TX. (4) Corresponding author: E-mail <r_and_r@kansas.net> Present address: R&R Research Services, Manhattan, KS 6650. (5) Present address: AACC, St. Paul, MN 55121. Cereal Chem. 76(6):953-956. Accepted August 27, 1999. Copyright 1999 American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc.

Corn moisture (9.5-13.5%) was significantly correlated to extrudate properties, even though water was added at the extruder to compensate for the differences in moisture. Water addition was more effective at the preconditioner than at the extruder, and longer retention preconditioner improved expansion. Water added to the pet food formula apparently was absorbed by the other formula ingredients and not the corn. Controlling the specific mechanical energy did not compensate for differences in corn moisture.