Corn Gluten Meal (60% Min Protein) - United States

Brief Overview

Corn gluten meal is the main protein extracted from the endosperm of corn. It is a product of wet-milling corn, along with other products such as starch and corn oil. Corn gluten meal is rich in protein with a protein content of approximately 65% and is commonly used as feed for livestock. Corn gluten meal can also be used for agricultural purposes.    Manufacturing Process Corn gluten meal is commonly produced using the wet-milling process.

Manufacturing Process

Corn gluten meal is commonly produced using the wet-milling process. In this process, corn grains are first steeped in water with sulfur dioxide. The mixture is then grounded coarsely to separate the germ and endosperm. The endosperm then undergoes a grinding and screening process where the starch and gluten are separated from the corn fiber. Lastly, the starch and gluten are centrifuged to recover the individual products – starch and gluten.

Animal Feed Industry

Due to its high protein content and excellent digestibility, corn gluten meal is commonly used in feed for livestock and in aquafeed. Corn gluten meal is also used in pet food as an additional source of protein and source of energy. It is suitable for ruminants, pigs, poultry, rabbits, and fish. 

Agricultural Industry

Corn gluten meal is frequently used as a herbicide to prevent unwanted weed formation, and is used as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content.