Improving Feed Safety Through Fungal Growth Management
One of the first steps to improving the quality of feed and ensuring animal feed safety, is by managing fungal growth (mould and yeast).
Due to the ubiquitous presence of mould spores in the environment, contamination and occurrence of moulds are common. Fungal growth (moulds and yeasts) can take place before, during or after harvesting. They can grow on raw materials in the field or occur during the processing or storage of feeds. This is because the essential nutrients and moisture in feed ingredients are required for fungal growth. The presence of moulds and yeast affect the nutrient levels in feeds and feed ingredients. It leads to feed spoilage and when consumed it could potentially reduce animal performance.
Due to the dustiness created by mould spores and the unpalatable by-products of yeasts, fungal growth further reduces the amount of feed animals want to eat.
How to Control Mould and Yeast Growth
Moulds and yeasts require specific conditions and nutrients in order to grow. By creating unfavourable conditions for growth, the risk of fungal development can be mitigated and managed. Selected ingredients are also able to directly target microbial and fungal cells, resulting in the death of these microbes. Different fungal species have different tolerance and sensitivity levels to various compounds and conditions. A specialised blend of selected ingredients with the ability to control all fungal species is essential to achieving and sustaining good fungal inhibition.
