As a feed manufacturer, your goal is to produce qualitative feed free of molds. The moisture in the air, which clings to the surface area of feed, can provide sufficient moisture for mold growth throughout the year.
Moldy feed is a pervasive and problematic occurrence and is undesirable for a number of reasons. Mold development can destroy important nutrients in the feed. Many molds produce toxins which adversely affect animal performance. However, the most common problem with molds is that most of them are unpalatable. Animals will eat less or refuse feed when mold is present.
Elements of an effective mold control program
The development of molds in feeds is dependent upon the interaction of a number of factors:
- The presence of spores
- The availability of nutrients
- Moisture for growth
- Time for growth
- Temperature
- Additives/Preservatives
Some of the above are controllable and some are not. Mold spores in feed grains, feed mills, and bins are generally considered to be everywhere. Most feeds make excellent sources of nutrients for molds as they are formulated and compounded to provide energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Additionally, consumers expect feed to remain fresh and stable for a fairly prolonged period of time after purchase. So as feed manufacturers, our choice of control measures must center on moisture control, temperature of storage, and use of additives to protect the feed.
Molds are generally not a problem in feeds and feed ingredients unless moisture control exceeds 12%. Due to this fact, the control of moisture in grains and in grain processing methods cannot be over stressed. Temperature of storage is also important. Great care should be taken not to transfer feed to bins or bags at elevated temperatures because the elevated temperature allows for the holding of excess moisture that will be lost as condensation on bin walls or interior of bags as feed cools-predisposing feed to mold. The presence and concentration of mold control compounds can be used to help insure feed protection.
The assumption is often made that the only type of feed where mold is a problem is in bagged, textured feed. While bagging moist feed might provide the most fertile breeding ground for mold growth, mold will also develop in all types of feed in humid conditions.
In order to ensure that the feed you manufacture remains mold-free from the time it is manufactured through the time it is fed, you’ll want to select the Adisseo Mold-Nil Mold inhibition Preservative best suited to the conditions in your market.