ISSUE FOCUS 38 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2025 HARNESSING ORGANIC ACIDS TO COMBAT MOULDS AND PRESERVE GRAIN QUALITY Eugenio Alcalde Global Product Manager Fylax Selko “Grain, being a living organism, generates heat and moisture during respiration. These conditions can quickly deteriorate grain quality if not properly controlled. Maintaining optimal thermal conditions, such as cooling grain below 16°C to curb insect activity, along with moisture management to prevent mould growth, is vital for preserving grain quality and lowering the risk of mycotoxin contamination.” Grain storage practices can have a big effect on protecting and preserving grain quality, which in turn can support animal health and performance, feed-to-food safety, and producers’ margins. Post-harvest losses can be significant, ranging from 5–10% in developed countries. In lower-middle-income nations, these losses can escalate to 30–35% (Magan et al., 2020). The FAO reports that 10% of post-harvest grain losses stem from fungal contamination. Proper drying and storage after harvest are essential for maintaining grain quality. Inadequate handling can result in significant losses that reduce both yield and financial value. Unsuitable storage environments provide favourable conditions for insect infestations, mould, and other microbial contamination. Such degradation often results in severe economic repercussions, especially in resource-constrained economies. Additionally, moulds can produce mycotoxins that compromise grain quality, leading to nutritional deficiencies and posing serious health risks to both animals and consumers. Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin generated by Aspergillus flavus, is recognized as one of the most powerful carcinogens in existence (Cho et al., 2022). Grains can become tainted with aflatoxins both pre- and post-harvest, with contamination levels rising when drying and storage are poorly managed, posing dangers to both human and animal health (Chulze, 2010). Inappropriate storage conditions also facilitate the production of numerous other mycotoxins, resulting in simultaneous contamination. Mycotoxin development is on the rise. During the 15th Mycotoxin Forum, it was noted that whereas a few years ago, the number of known mycotoxins hovered around 600, that number has increased to 700 today. Grain, being a living organism, generates heat and moisture during respiration. These conditions can quickly deteriorate grain quality if not properly controlled. Maintaining optimal thermal conditions, such as cooling grain below 16°C to curb insect activity, along with moisture management to prevent mould growth, is vital for preserving grain quality and lowering the risk of mycotoxin contamination. Comprehensive storage strategies involving natural and artificial drying, routine moisture checks, aeration systems, and cleaning methods help regulate temperature, ensure airflow, and eliminate debris to limit spoilage.
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