ISSUE FOCUS 32 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2025 feed efficiency and growth. For e.g. cottonseed meal (protein source) has a toxic pigment called gossypol (when occurring as free form and not protein-bound) which affects non-ruminants like pigs and poultry, peanut meals may have aflatoxins, sorghum has tannins etc., which affect the overall feed efficiency. The animals cannot fully utilize approximately 25% of the available nutrients due to the presence of ANFs in feed.7 It is important to take note of such features in ingredients and minimize these levels in feeds. 2c. Nutrient digestibility: Apart from ANFs affecting the nutrient digestibility and thus reducing the potential of nutrient utility in feeds, some ingredients may not have a nutritional profile that suits the needs of the animals. For example: rapeseed meal contains difficult-to-digest hulls and ANFs like glucosinolate, tannins, euric acid etc.; feather meal has an amino acid imbalance, palm kernel meal may impact palatability. Chitin from crustacean shells or insect exoskeletons may also lower the digestibility in animals like poultry and fish when used at higher inclusion levels. 3. Environmental sustainability and carbon footprint: The feed industry has a significant environmental footprint. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide make up more than 50% of the emissions.8 These impacts occur through land-use changes, energy use, and transport. The increasing pressure from consumers and policymakers to have sustainable operations is pushing the industry to adopt practices that reduce GHG emissions, minimize water and energy use, and promote biodiversity. However, meeting expectations requires significant innovation and investment. 4. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR): Antibiotics are often prophylactically administered to animals through feed and water in addition to injections and topical applications, to prevent disease and promote growth (no longer generally the case in the US). The antibiotics used in food animals are expected to increase by 11.5% by 2030.9 The food animals do not absorb about 75% of the antimicrobials administered to them, which are excreted from the body via urine and faeces, which can potentially contaminate the surrounding environment.10,11 The overuse of these drugs has led to AMR, where microbes resistant to these can proliferate and cause global human and animal health crises. Governments and regulatory bodies have implemented stringent restrictions on antibiotic use in animal feed, forcing the industry to seek alternative solutions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenics. 5. Feed technology, safety and quality control: A considerable amount of data is available at the feed mills due to the use of different recipe ingredients and formulations. However, it is still challenging to apply this information in various activities related to feed production. Additionally, contamination of feed with mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pathogens poses a risk to animal health and food safety. Ensuring consistent feed quality requires rigorous testing, monitoring, and adherence to stringent safety standards. Supply chain disruptions can exacerbate these risks, especially during global crises like pandemics.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==