Controlling Residues of Toxic and Harmful Substances in Feed
In recent years, China's feed industry has experienced unprecedented growth, significantly boosting the aquaculture sector and generating substantial economic and social benefits. However, the issue of excessive levels of toxic and harmful substances in feed has become increasingly severe. These contaminants pose serious risks to both animal and human health, as they can accumulate in the body through the food chain, leading to long-term health problems.
Toxic components present in feed may be metabolized into more active and dangerous forms within animals, causing toxicity, carcinogenic effects, or teratogenic impacts. Moreover, these substances can reduce the quality and quantity of livestock products, potentially leading to trade barriers and economic losses. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective measures to control the residues of harmful substances in feed.
One of the primary strategies involves managing bacterial contamination. Feed production facilities should ensure that raw material processing areas are separated from finished product zones to prevent cross-contamination. Companies must also maintain strict hygiene standards, regularly clean and disinfect equipment, and limit access to the facility to reduce the risk of Salmonella and other pathogens entering the production process.
For fermented feeds, it is essential to use high-quality microbial strains and maintain proper fermentation conditions to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Rapid drying after fermentation is also critical to ensure the safety of the final product. Small-scale producers, in particular, need to adopt better processing techniques to avoid bacterial contamination.
Physical and chemical treatments are also widely used to eliminate harmful substances. Pelleting feed at high temperatures (120–150°C) can effectively kill heat-resistant bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Adding organic acids such as propionic acid at concentrations between 0.6% and 6% can also help reduce bacterial load. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is another option, though it requires specialized equipment due to its high toxicity.
Mold contamination is a major concern, as mycotoxins produced by molds can cause acute and chronic poisoning in animals and transfer to humans through the food chain. Preventing mold growth starts with selecting resistant crop varieties, using appropriate planting and harvesting techniques, and strictly controlling moisture levels in raw materials and finished feed. Improving storage conditions, such as reducing temperature and oxygen levels, also helps minimize mold growth. Chemical anti-fungal agents like propionic acid are commonly used to further protect feed from mold.
Toxic elements such as lead, arsenic, selenium, and fluorine must also be controlled. For example, limiting the use of high-lead raw materials and using phosphate-based additives can help reduce the presence of harmful metals in feed. Similarly, selenium supplementation can support detoxification processes in animals.
Harmful compounds like nitrite, cyanide, oxalic acid, and histamine require specific management. Nitrite in green feeds should be minimized by proper preparation and storage methods. Cyanide-containing feeds must be used carefully, considering the plant’s growth stage and the animal’s sensitivity. Oxalic acid levels can be reduced by feeding mature plants rather than young ones. Histamine, which is often found in spoiled feed, should be prevented by maintaining low moisture levels and proper storage conditions.
Special attention must also be given to toxic components in cottonseed cake, rapeseed cake, soybean meal, castor cake, and grasses. For instance, gossypol in cottonseed cake can be managed through controlled addition and detoxification methods. Rapeseed cake contains glucosinolates, which can be reduced through heat treatment. Soybean meal needs to be properly processed to neutralize antinutritional factors. Castor cake, containing ricin and allergens, should be used cautiously, especially in sensitive species like horses and chickens.
By implementing these comprehensive control measures, the feed industry can significantly reduce the presence of toxic and harmful substances, ensuring safer feed for livestock and ultimately protecting human health. Continuous research, improved regulations, and better practices will be essential in maintaining the integrity of the feed supply chain.
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