ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2024 49 Molds cause feed spoilage and reduce the nutritional value Molds contaminate grains, both in the field and during storage, and can also grow in stored feed and even in feed stored or accumulated in storage facilities in animal production farms. The contamination of feed by molds and their rapid growth can cause heating of the feed. As molds also need nutrients, their growth results in a reduction of energy and the availability of vitamins A, D3, E, K, and B1, thus decreasing the feed’s nutritional value. This heating occurs in most feeds with a moisture content higher than 15 /16%. Additionally, mold-contaminated feed tends to be dusty and has a bad taste impacting palatability and, as a consequence, feed intake and performance. Molds produce spores that can, when inhaled, cause chronic respiratory disease or even death if the animals are exposed to contaminated feed for a longer time. Another consequence of mold contamination is the production of mycotoxins by several mold species. These mycotoxins can affect the animal in several ways, from decreasing performance to severe disease (Esmail, 2021; Government of Manitoba, 2023). With effective feed hygiene management, we want to stop and prevent mold growth, as well as all its negative consequences. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN TREATMENT It is clear that when the feed is spoiled, it must be removed, and animal health supporting measures should take place. However, it is better to prevent the consequences of low feed hygiene on animals. Proper harvest and adequate storage of the feed are basic measures to stop mold growth. Additionally, different tools are available to protect the animals from feed bacterial load and other risk factors. SOLUTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT FEED HYGIENE There are several solutions to fight the organisms which decrease feed quality. Some directly act against the harmful substances / pathogens, and others act indirectly, meaning that they change the environment to a non-comfortable one for the organism. Formaldehyde and propionic acid – an unbeatable team against bacteria A combination of formaldehyde and propionic acid is perfect to sanitize feed. Formaldehyde results in bacterial DNA and protein damage, and propionic acid is active against bacteria and molds. Together, they improve the microbiological quality of the feed and reduce the risk of secondary diseases such as necrotic enteritis or dysbiosis on the farm. In addition to the pure hygienic aspect, organic acids support digestion. Salmonella Positive Control Formycine 1kg/t 24h 48h 72h 15d 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 5.96 5.88 5.76 5.36 3.91 2.01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Formycine 2kg/t Formycine 4kg/t Figures 1 a. Reduction of bacterial count due to the addition of Formycine
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