Effect of pelleting agent on microbiological and mycotoxicological safety of feed mixtures

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine effect of pelleting agents on physical and chemical characteristics as well as microbiological and mycotoxicological safety of pelleted feed mixtures for laying hens. Four feed mixtures were analyzed: Control (K) - without supplemented pelleting agent, and three experimental ones (A, B and C) with supplemented pelleting agent. Lignocellulose concentrate-based agent was added in feed mixture A -?Arbocel? (2%), and bentonite-based agent in feed mixture B ?Bentopel? (2%), while both agents were added in feed mixture C in the concentration of 1%. The pellets of highest hardness (6 Khal J/kg ) were found in feed mixture B. The pellets of rather good hardness (5.5 Khal J/kg ) were found in feed mixture A, while the pellets in feed mixture C (3.5 Khal J/kg) were of the lowest hardness. Total number of bacteria was the highest in diet K amounting to 39000/g sample, and significantly lower in the experimental feeds mixtures ranging from 2,100 (C) to 5,000 (B). Pathogenic bacteria were not detected in the analyzed feeds mixtures. The highest number of yeast species (8) was found in feed mixture K, and in experimental feeds mixtures this number was significantly lower. In feed mixture A one yeast species was found, in feed mixture B three and in feed mixture C 6, respectively. The predominant were the representatives of the Aspergillus species, a typical mycobiota developed in the animal feed warehouses. Presence of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol and T-2 toxin) was not detected in analyzed feeds mixture.