Preventing moulds in raw materials and feed
Moulds consume valuable nutrients in raw materials and feed, and if allowed to proliferate, can rapidly decrease the products’ shelf life, quality and nutritional value. Additionally, the mycotoxins produced by moulds may negatively impact animal performance. An effective strategy to combat the negative effects of mould growth is recommended to ensure best feed quality.
How to recognise
Raw materials needed for animal feed production can account for up to 80% of total production cost, and so it is vital to prevent moult growth that results in loss of volume (shrinkage) or nutritional value. It’s also important to note that the common practice of adding water to compensate for moisture loss during the feed production process increases the risk of mould and compromises the shelf life of feed.
Moulds destabilise the integrity of the feed materials, which opens up an opportunity for other harmful microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria to grow and proliferate.
The impact on the farmer
Moulds can cause unstable feed quality, decreased nutrient value and reduced shelf life, resulting in a significantly negative impact on finances and brand reputation.
Producing stable, high-quality feeds efficiently and profitably requires an integrated solution that includes appropriate products, effective dosing, and analytic services that account for a farmer’s specific circumstances and type of feed.