C. Chemical Composition
1. NIR Proximate Analysis – Corn
Proximates are the major components of the grain. For corn, the NIR Proximate Analysis includes oil content, protein content, and starch content (or total starch). This procedure is nondestructive to the corn.
Chemical composition tests for protein, oil, and starch were conducted using a 400- to 450-gram sample in a whole-kernel Foss Infratec 1229 NearInfrared Transmittance (NIT) instrument. The NIT was calibrated to chemical tests, and the standard error of predictions for protein, oil, and starch were about 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, respectively. Results are reported on a dry matter basis (percent of non-water material).