A non-corrosive version of Propcorn, called Propcorn NC is now available uniquely through ourselves. Made by Kemira Chemicals Oy using their unique buffering technology, it is equally effective as the old version, but with none of the well known handling and corrosion problems.
“Operator safety and comfort and extending the life of grain handling equipment are far greater issues now than they used to be” says Kelvin Cave Ltd’s Technical Director Andy Strzelecki. “Propcorn NC is applied in the same way as the old product, but does not produce the level of unpleasant fumes and have the high risk of skin damage that put many people off using this method of preservation. If applied as recommended, Propcorn NC will do everything the original did with an added safety margin”.
It has long been acknowledged that grain dried to 15% moisture or less does not roll and feed as well as that preserved at higher moisture contents, and we acknowledge that though there are overwhelming advantages to feeding crimped grains, the system does not always suit every farm.
Propcorn has proved itself, over many years, as the most effective preservative for grain harvested between 15% and 25% moisture, but has always had the inherent disadvantages of corrosiveness, unpleasant fuming and potential risk to users.
The benefits of using Propcorn NC
- non-corrosive, non-aggressive safer to use, with less fumes, than straight propionic acid
- use for preserving moist feeds that are too dry to crimp: 16 - 24% MC
- suitable for all grains, pulses and maize
- apply to whole or processed grains
- preserves feed for up to 12 months
- effective against yeasts, moulds and mycotoxins
- pH of 4.5 (propionic acid pH is 2.0)
- produces a less dusty feed, improving palatability whilst maximising dry matter intakes
- guaranteed for better grain hygiene and animal welfare
- cheaper than conventional drying
- good for hay, haylage and straw (up to 25% MC). No need to bale wrap as long as the treated hay or straw is kept under cover. Bales should be left to stand in the open air for a few hours to allow respired moisture to escape before taking into storage
- Application rates (hay, haylage & straw): up to 20% MC – 6 litres per tonne, 20 - 25% MC – 8 litres per tonne
For application rates of grain and pulses see panel right.
|
 |
| Application rates |
| Whole grain:MC% |
Propcorn NC litres/tonne
Preservation time (months) |
| |
1 |
1-3 |
3-12 |
Up to 16
16-18
18-20
20-22
22-24 |
3.80
4.25
5.00
5.80
7.25 |
5.00
5.80
7.25
8.50
10.00 |
6.75
8.00
9.50
10.50
12.00 |
| |
| Rolled Grain:
MC% |
Up to 16
16-18
18-20
20-22
22-24 |
4.25
4.75
5.50
6.50
8.00 |
5.50
6.50
8.00
9.50
11.00 |
7.50
9.00
10.50
11.75
13.50 |
| |
| Whole pulses (peas, beans, soya, rapeseed) |
Up to 16
16-18
18-20
20-22
22-24 |
4.75
5.25
6.25
7.25
9.00 |
6.25
7.25
9.00
10.50
12.25 |
8.25
10.00
11.75
13.00
15.00 |
| NB Observe safety margins: add 10-15% when non-cleaned material is used, or stored at high temperature (>30ºC) or when material is pneumatically transported. |
Recommendations for use
Full instructions are enclosed with the preservative but for your guidance Kemira’s main recommendations are:
- use clean storage facilities and check applicator and augers for blockages
- treat grain immediately after harvesting
- do not attempt to treat more than 20t/hr
- check moisture content regularly
- check ambient temperature regularly (viscocity of Propcorn NC changes with temperature). Recalibrate accordingly
- pay attention to safety margins, do not skimp
- check distribution of Propcorn NC by taking 10 treated kernels, dropping on kitchen paper, count droplets
- measure MC of every trailer load. If large variations in MC are encountered, apply higher dosage rate, as moisture will equilibrate in the heap
- never mix treated with untreated grain
- don’t blow the grain within 30 minutes of treatment
After preservation
- check temperature at several sites and depths twice a week for the first four weeks, afterwards once a week
- temperature will decline over time, a sudden increase (over 5-10ºC over ambient) signifies onset of deterioration
- don’t cover with silage or air-tight sheets
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