Effects of Processing on the Nutritional Value of Feeds ( Moulds and Mycotoxins & Salmonella )

Moulds and Mycotoxins

Aflatoxins, produced on some feeds by Aspergillus flavus, are not inactivated by normal pelleting procedures. Prevention of mould growth is the best means to avoid contamination. Removal and disposal of mould-damaged material is essential. Certain materials that are sometimes contaminated by aflatoxins, such as corn, peanut meal, cottonseed meal, copra, and fish meal, should be monitored routinely to check for the presence of aflatoxins.

Salmonella

In contrast to aflatoxins, salmonella is killed by pelleting. Meat meal is a feed ingredient that should be routinely monitored for the presence of salmonella; proper sanitation procedures will reduce the incidence of contamination.