ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2024 31 On the farm, farmers grow crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, which are later taken to a feed mill for processing into animal feed. This feed is then delivered back to the farm to nourish the livestock, providing them with essential nutrients for growth and the production of meat, milk, or eggs. Along this journey, the raw materials encounter various conditions that can potentially introduce microbial contamination. Microbial loads in feed vary based on factors like geography, seasonality, and storage conditions. Raw materials can be a source of mycotoxins, Salmonella, and other enterobacteria, including E. coli. that are often resistant to antibiotics. Consistently testing and monitoring the nutritional content of incoming ingredients allows for necessary adjustments to formulations. This should be always accompanied by regular testing for microbial loads in ingredients, finished feed and feed manufacturing environment, including farm storage bins and feed hoppers in the house. Collaborating closely with trusted suppliers and implementing strict quality control measures play a key role in preserving the integrity of feed composition. Numerous studies have demonstrated that commercial poultry flocks consuming feeds with reduced microbial loads exhibit improved performance compared to those on a regular diet. ENSURING FEED QUALITY AND SAFETY Understanding the path of feed ingredients from field to farm and the journey of animal feed from the farm to the animal is crucial for preserving feed quality, enhancing productivity and safeguarding profits. Protecting feed quality and value requires effective handling of microbial threats, which have the potential to diminish animal performance and raise morbidity and mortality rates. Safer ingredients for safer feed. Saving feed ingredient processors millions in lost productivity
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