Safe feed refers to the feed used for food-producing animals. The various ingredients should not generate harmful organic or inorganic substances within the animal body that could negatively affect human health (Liu et al., 2000). Ensuring the safety of feed is a critical aspect of sustainable development in the feed industry and public health. Several factors influence feed safety, including the quality of raw materials, safe storage practices, proper control of additives in the formulation, careful handling during processing, appropriate design of processing technology, and effective management throughout the entire production process.
Raw material control and safe storage are the first steps in producing safe feed. Some plant-based feed ingredients may contain pesticide residues due to pest infestations during growth, leading to levels that exceed regulatory limits. Feed mills must implement rigorous testing for these contaminants upon receiving raw materials. Additionally, industrial waste, such as wastewater and emissions, can also pollute feed ingredients, posing further risks.
Currently, many feed manufacturers lack advanced testing equipment, which means they often fail to detect pesticide residues or industrial contaminants. This oversight represents a significant risk to feed safety, and producers must take this issue seriously. Moisture content is a crucial factor in the safe storage of feed ingredients. Freshly harvested plant materials often have high moisture levels, making them prone to mold growth and the production of mycotoxins, which can degrade feed quality. To prevent this, it's essential to maintain moisture levels below 12% and improve storage conditions. In some cases, anti-fungal agents are used, but they do not remove existing mycotoxins, so early intervention is key.
Due to shortages in feed ingredients, adulteration has become a serious problem. This practice introduces additional risks to feed safety, so strict quality checks must be conducted before any raw materials enter the facility. Corn, one of the most commonly used feed ingredients, is typically stored in vertical silos, especially steel ones. Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation, increasing moisture near the silo walls and promoting mold growth. Regular turning of the stored materials helps reduce moisture and ensures better preservation.
Cleaning raw materials is another important step in feed production. While large impurities and magnetic materials are often removed, smaller impurities are frequently overlooked. These small particles can harbor harmful microorganisms, which thrive under favorable temperature and moisture conditions, leading to the production of toxic substances that threaten feed safety. Removing these impurities is essential for maintaining product quality and safety.
Controlling harmful components in raw materials is also vital. Some feed ingredients naturally contain toxins, such as alkaloids, free gossypol, tannins, and protease inhibitors in plant-based materials, or histamine and anti-sulfamin in animal-derived products. These substances can harm livestock, so careful selection and usage are necessary. For example, cottonseed and rapeseed cakes should be detoxified or used in controlled amounts, while meat and bone meal is prohibited in ruminant diets.
Additives in feed formulas must also be strictly regulated. Beyond meeting nutritional and performance requirements, feed must comply with national health standards. The use of illegal drugs and antibiotics is strictly forbidden. When adding approved medications, it is essential to follow guidelines on dosage, withdrawal periods, and application ranges. As unconventional feed ingredients become more common, their safety must be thoroughly evaluated before use.
With advances in biotechnology, genetically modified (GM) crops are increasingly used in feed production. Varieties like high-oil corn, high-lysine corn, low-toxicity rapeseed cake, and high-methionine soybeans are now being utilized. However, the long-term safety of GM feed ingredients on animal health and the quality of animal products remains uncertain. Therefore, caution is advised when incorporating these materials into feed formulations.
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