Feed Storage Research Articles

Technological line for the production of sunflower cake

BACKGROUND: The results of the study conducted to increase the shelf life of sunflower cake by justifying the optimal operating parameters of the ozonizer in the line of the sunflower cake production are presented. Studies of the processing of sunflower cake with an ozone-air mixture at optimal operating parameters, such as its concentration, the duration of its processing and the intensity of the high-frequency field, have been conducted. AIM: Increasing of the long-term storage of protein feed by improving the basic design parameters of the device for its production. METHODS: Resulting from the conducted theoretical research, the technological line for the protein feed production was developed according to the patent for the invention of the Russian Federation No. 2706188. To determine the optimal operating parameters of the device in the sunflower cake production line, which affect its shelf life, the design of experiment theory was used. RESULTS: A regression equation in coded values, characterizing the effect of the concentration of the ozone-air mixture, the duration of the sunflower cake treatment and the intensity of the high-frequency field on the sunflower cake shelf life, is obtained. The analysis of the obtained mathematical model of the processing process is performed. CONCLUSION: Experimental studies of the developed line for the production of sunflower cake with quality control of its treatment with an ozone-air mixture have shown that the sunflower cake shelf life depends on the ozone-air mixture concentration and the duration of treatment of the sunflower cake, as well as on the intensity of the high-frequency field. At the same time, with a decrease in the ozone-air mixture concentration, the duration of treatment of the sunflower cake and the intensity of the high-frequency field during the treatment increase. In the area of low concentration, increased duration up to 120 s and intensity up to 15250 V/m, the shelf life of the cake increases. It is reasonable to process sunflower cake with the ozone-air mixture to increase its shelf life from 3 to 5.45 months according to the GOST 80-96 using the developed line (patent RF 2706188) at a concentration of 23.03 mg/m3, processing time of 134 s and a high-frequency field strength of 17374 V/m.

Exposure to aflatoxins and ochratoxin A from the consumption of selected staples and fresh cow milk in the wet and dry seasons in Ghana

Across sub-Saharan Africa, the heavy reliance on mycotoxin-susceptible staple foods means that populations in the region are particularly vulnerable to chronic mycotoxin exposure. This study assessed the exposure risk to ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins (AFs) from 18 samples of selected staple foods (maize, millet, groundnut) and 56 fresh cow milk samples collected from across Ghana. The foods were sampled simultaneously to maximise comparability, and at two timepoints in March/April (during the dry season) and July/August (during the rainy season) to assess the effects of duration of storage and seasonal conditions on the mycotoxin levels as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used to assess the exposure risk from consumption of the sampled foods. Each of the sampled staples was contaminated with OTA (0.19–3.11 ng/g) and at least one AF (0.75–13.05 ng/g B1, ND-12.12 ng/g B2, 0.1–9.95 ng/g G1, ND-16.78 ng/g G2). Up to 67% had contamination above European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maximum limits, and 50% were above Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) limits. The fresh cow milk samples were contaminated with AFM1 in the range of 0.05–1.49 ng/g, with 95% above EFSA limits and 36% above GSA limits. Aflatoxin contamination in the staples was high, particularly in July/August when the wet conditions may have adversely impacted the handling and storage of farm produce. Variation in AFM1 between the two sampling periods mirrored total aflatoxin in the staples, suggesting that even if dairy cattle were grazing in open pasture and not being rationed on stored feed, then there was a high environmental presence of aflatoxigenic fungi. The MOE estimates were ≤533.09, far below the safe cut-off of 10,000 for suspected carcinogenic compounds. The high mycotoxin levels indicate a priority risk to child nutrition which relies heavily on cereal mixes based on one or all the three sampled staples. The data from this study underscore the urgent need for interventions to better appreciate and address mycotoxin exposure for enhanced food security and public health in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Pathology and Blood Biochemistry of Juvenile Lates calcarifer on Diets Contaminated With Mycotoxins, Histamines and Rancid Fats-A Case Study.

Mycotoxins, originating from contaminated raw materials or suboptimal feed storage, are a growing concern in tropical aquaculture. Common fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. produce mycotoxins including aflatoxin, fumonisin, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. High doses or prolonged exposure (weeks) to low doses of these mycotoxins (< 20 μg/kg) can depress growth, immunity, and cause mortality. This study investigated poor growth and low survival in juvenile Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer fed two different diets (FM40 and ABS3) for 5 weeks. Analysis of these diets revealed high peroxide values, multiple mycotoxins and high histamine levels. Fish fed the FM40 diet, which was contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (13.2 μg/kg), aflatoxin B2 (1.9 μg/kg), deoxynivalenol (29.5 μg/kg), alternariol (2.2 μg/kg), elevated peroxide value (45.91 mEq/kg), and histamine (129.51 mg/kg) developed mild bile duct hyperplasia, depressed total serum proteins (50.40 ± 10.06 g/L), markedly elevated blood potassium (8.2 ± 0.18 mmol/L), and heavy iron deposits in splenic melanomacrophage centres (Perl's stain) indicative of increased haemolysis. The presence of multiple cytotoxic mycotoxins in FM40 diet could explain the increased haemolysis and elevated blood potassium. In contrast, fish fed the ABS3 diet, which had high histamine levels (210.05 mg/kg), exhibited protein-losing nephropathy with multifocal fibrin plugs (Martius scarlet blue stain) indicating acute renal damage, and elevated blood calcium and phosphorus levels. Histamine is metabolised and excreted through the kidneys and known to induce renal arteriolar constriction, disrupt glomerular filtration barrier and increase permeability resulting in protein loss. This study shows that blood biochemistry and histopathology are useful diagnostic tools for assessing the impact of mycotoxins and histamines on fish health.

Comparative Study of an Antioxidant Compound and Ethoxyquin on Feed Oxidative Stability and on Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health in Starter Broiler Chickens.

Concerns over the safety of ethoxyquin (EQ) highlight the need for safer, more effective feed antioxidants. This study investigated a healthier antioxidant compound (AC) as a potential alternative to EQ in broilers. A total of 351 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus male broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments for 21 days: control (CON), EQ group (200 g/ton EQ at 60% purity), and AC group (200 g/ton AC containing 18% butylated hydroxytoluene, 3% citric acid, and 1% tertiary butylhydroquinone). AC supplementation reduced the acid value, peroxide value, and malondialdehyde content in stored feed, decreased feed intake and the feed conversion ratio without affecting body weight gain, and enhanced antioxidant capacity (liver total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase; intestinal catalase and glutathione peroxidase 7). It improved intestinal morphology and decreased barrier permeability (lower diamine oxidase and D-lactate), potentially by promoting ZO-1, Occludin, and Mucin2 expression. The AC also upregulated NF-κB p50 and its inhibitor (NF-κB p105), enhancing immune regulation. Additionally, the AC tended to increase beneficial gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus, and reduced Bacteroides, Corprococcus, and Anaeroplasma. Compared to EQ, the AC further enhanced feed oxidative stability, the feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology and barrier functions, and inflammatory status, suggesting its potential as a superior alternative to EQ for broiler diets.

Effects of Random Feeding Schedule on Pacing in Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persicus).

For large felids in the wild, intervals between feeding events are irregular since these depend on prey availability and individual hunting success. In contrast, many zoos feed their large felids on fixed schedules. Predictable feeding schedules could induce food anticipatory behavior, like pacing, and randomizing feeding schedules may reduce this anticipatory behavior. Furthermore, random feeding schedules create more variability in the animals environment, which may reduce frustration or boredom. This case study aimed to investigate the effects of a random feeding schedule on pacing behavior of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in the Rotterdam Zoo, The Netherlands. Study animals were observed directly under two treatments: "fixed feeding" (i.e., two fixed feeding days per week) and "random feeding" (i.e., two semi-randomly picked feeding days per week). Under the random feeding schedule, the mean pacing proportion of lions significantly decreased compared to the fixed feeding schedule. These findings suggest that a random feeding schedule could reduce pacing, either of anticipatory or stereotypic nature, in Asiatic lions. Random feeding schedules do pose a few logistic challenges, such as zookeeper schedules and transport or storage of feed. Nevertheless, random feeding could be a relatively inexpensive strategy to reduce pacing.

Optimization of vacuum membrane distillation and advanced design of compact solar water heaters with heat recovery

With the escalating global population, freshwater scarcity has become a pressing challenge. To address this issue, this paper presents a novel compact solar water heater (CSWHT) system incorporating heat recovery and submerged-membrane filtration. The research aims to develop an efficient desalination method that reduces water production costs and maximizes output. The system comprises a feed storage tank, a vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) system positioned atop the submerged CSWHT, a liquid ring vacuum pump (LRVP) utilizing waste heat from the outlet to preheat the feed, and hollow fiber membranes.Three critical parameters, namely the mass of the feed in the storage tank, the number of hollow fiber membrane rows, and the feed volumetric flow rate, were optimized using a multi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA II) to minimize water production cost (WPC) while maximizing water production. Subsequently, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to identify the optimal scenario from among the selected best solutions.For Mediterranean seawater and a 6 m2 solar collector area, the multi-objective NSGA II algorithm identified 20 membrane rows per collector, 334.4 kg feed mass in the storage tank, and 0.027 kg.s−1 feed mass flow rate as the optimal system parameters. Under these optimized conditions, the system exhibited a daily production capacity of 92.5 kg water, 4.6 kg chloride, and 0.03 g bromide, while achieving a production cost of 12.2 USD.m−3 and a gain output ratio (GOR) of 1.6. These results highlight the system's remarkable potential for desalination with high efficiency and low cost. Future research should focus on scaling up the system and exploring its applicability in various geographical locations.

435 Use of plant bioactives to improve the efficiency of rumen function

Abstract Plant bioactives, also known as phytogenics or phytobiotics, are secondary metabolites of plant origin that are deployed as host-defense mechanisms against predators or to enable them to be more competitive in their environment. These metabolites also regulate growth and reproductive functions in the plant. They can be grouped into three major classes: terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Various studies have shown their worth in improving livestock production and health via insectifugal, organoleptic and enhanced rumen functions. Ruminants are critical to food security because they are able to convert poor-quality feed materials into nutritious products like meat. The rumen provides temporary storage of feed but serves the main function of digesting those complex materials through symbiotic relationships among prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms within the rumen vat. Antimicrobial resistance and other health or social license challenges have led researchers to find acceptable replacements that will not exacerbate the health and social issues in animals and humans. Plant bioactives appeal to producers because of the ‘natural’ brand and because they are usually certified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Anecdotal reports from input companies show an increased demand for mineral supplements infused with phytogenics. The complex chemical compositions of these products appear to make them less prone to developing resistance by microorganisms. Phytogenics research has been further catalyzed by government legislation that has banned the use of medically important antibiotics to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. Potential improvements in livestock productivity are associated with mechanisms such as enhanced nutrient utilization, increased digestibility, modified digestive secretions or altered microbial communities. These benefits contribute to the increasing use of these phytogenics by livestock producers to keep their animals healthy and productive while enhancing the profitability of their operations. We will examine the different bioactives and their applications in improving the efficiency of the rumen function. Some commercial products in the Canadian market will be presented. Other research trials showcasing their potential benefits to rumen health and general animal productivity will also be discussed.

Synergistic antifungal effects of the preservative ammonium propionate and medium chain fatty acids against dormant and germinating conidia, germ tubes and hyphae of Aspergillus chevalieri, a feed spoilage fungus

In feed, propionic acid is the weak organic acid of choice to prevent growth of spoilage fungi. For safe and easy industrial handling this antifungal agent is applied in the presence of neutralizing ammonium, which however has the disadvantage to negatively affect the efficacy of fungus-inhibiting properties of the formulation. In the present study we investigated the impact of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) on the antifungal efficacy of an ammonium propionate formulation on dormant- and germinating conidia as well as germ tubes and hyphae of Aspergillus chevalieri, a xerophilic fungus predominant on moulded feed. Dormant conidia were not affected by 32 mM of ammonium propionate after a 28 h-treatment in demi water. Similar results were obtained with solely 0.52 mM MCFA. However, the combination of both components nearly eradicated formation of colonies from these conidia and was accompanied by distortion of the cellular structure as was visible with light- and transmission electron microscopy. Germination of conidia, characterised by swelling and germ tube formation, was significantly decreased in the presence of 16 mM ammonium propionate and 0.26 mM MCFA, while the latter component itself did not significantly decrease germination. We conclude that a combination of ammonium propionate and MCFA had a synergistic antifungal effect on dormant and germinating conidia.When the combination of ammonium propionate and MCFA was tested on hyphae for 30 min, we observed that cell death was significantly increased in comparison to components alone. Treatment of the hyphae with 16 mM of ammonium propionate caused aberrant mitochondria, as evidenced by irregularly shaped and enlarged mitochondria that contained electron-dense inclusions as observed by transmission electron microscopy. When the combination of ammonium propionate and MCFA was applied against the hyphae, more severe cell damage was observed, with signs of autophagy. Summarised, our results demonstrate synergistic antifungal effects of ammonium propionate and medium chain fatty acids on fungal survival structures, during their germination and after a short (sudden) treatment of growing cells. This is of potential importance for several areas of feed and food storage and shelf-life.

Quantitative risk assessment model of the presence of porcine epidemic diarrhea and African swine fever viruses in spray-dried porcine plasma.

There are no microbiological regulatory limits for viruses in animal feed and feed ingredients. A performance objective (PO) was proposed in this study to manufacture a spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) batch absent of any infectious viral particles. The PO levels of -7.0, -7.2, and -7.3 log TCID50/g in SDPP were estimated for three batch sizes (10, 15, and 20 tons). A baseline survey on the presence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in raw porcine plasma revealed a concentration of -1.0 ± 0.6 log TCID50/mL as calculated using a TCID50-qPCR derived standard curve. The mean African swine fever virus (ASFV) concentration in raw plasma was estimated to be 0.6 log HAD50/mL (0.1-1.4, 95% CI) during a pre-clinical scenario (collected from asymptomatic and undetected viremic pigs). Different processing scenarios (baseline: spray-drying + extended storage) and baseline + ultraviolet (UV) radiation were evaluated to meet the PO levels proposed in this study. The baseline and baseline + UV processing scenarios were >95 and 100% effective in achieving the PO for PEDV by using different batch sizes. For the ASFV in SDPP during a pre-clinical scenario, the PO compliance was 100% for all processing scenarios evaluated. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms of virus inactivation in feed storage to further advance the implementation of feed safety risk management efforts globally.

Impact of OTAbZIP on Ochratoxin A production, mycelium growth and pathogenicity of Aspergillus westerdijkiae under water activity stress

ABSTRACT Aspergillus westerdijkiae is a major producer of ochratoxin A (OTA), a highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin found in various food and feed products. A. westerdijkiae produces excessive amount of OTA under various water activity (aw) conditions that occur during food and feed storage. The biosynthetic gene clusters associated with OTA production include OTAbZIP, which plays a key role in controlling mycotoxin production in response to environmental conditions. This study explored the regulation of OTA biosynthesis in A. westerdijkiae fc-1, focusing on the OTAbZIP gene’s influence under aw stress. The mycelium growth of A. westerdijkiae fc-1 wild type and OTAbZIP mutant strains increased by 40.7% and 50.5% under high water activity (0.96 aw) respectively, at 6 days post-inoculation (dpi), indicating a stress on A. westerdijkiae fc-1. While OTAbZIP mutant did not produce OTA under both high and moderate aW conditions. The wild type produced OTA and OTA biosynthetic gene expression levels were downregulated under high (0.96 aw) and moderate (0.91 aw) water activity. The expression level of hog1 gene in OTAbZIP mutant was significantly lower than in the wild type. Pathogenicity tests revealed that deletion of OTAbZIP did not significantly affect disease infection. This study shows that deleting OTAbZIP gene greatly reduces OTA production, affecting the strain’s adaptability to water activity stress.

Detection of aflatoxin in raw and pasteurized milk by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in central Ethiopia

Aflatoxins are a group of structurally related mycotoxins produced by the Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius species as secondary metabolites. Well-known forms of Aflatoxin are AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1, and AFM2. aflatoxin B1 is the most prevalent one. It can be metabolized in the liver and excreted as aflatoxin M1 in milk. Both forms have mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. In Ethiopia, there is limited information on the occurrence and contamination level of aflatoxin in raw and pasteurized milk. The present study was conducted in the Addis Ababa milk shed area to detect and quantify the level of Aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2020 to May 2021 on a total of 114 cow milk samples consisting of 60 raw milk and 54 pasteurized milk samples with the aim of detecting and quantifying the amount of aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk in central Ethiopia by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using C18 column with fluorescence detector. AFM1 was detected in 79 (69.3%) of the 114 tested milk samples. The maximum and mean concentrations were 0.893 µg/L and 0.0465 µg/L, respectively. 25.4% of them contain AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 µg/L), and 1.8% contained above the maximum limit of CES278 and FDA (0.5 µg/L). 26.7% of the samples from Sebata and 6.7% from Sululta contain above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 µg/L). Higher contamination of AFM1 was detected in pasteurized milk (96.3%) than in raw milk (16.7%). 35.2% of pasteurized and 16% of raw milk contained AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU0.05 µg /L. The study results showed a significant difference in AFM1 occurrence with feed type, storage time, and milk type. The current AFM1 concentration level in raw and pasteurized milk was not safe for human consumption in the study areas. Due to its heat resistance, AFM1 is found in pasteurized milk and has great health effects. Creating awareness of feed management for feed producers and farmers and developing risk mitigation methods are crucial in order to reduce public health threats.

Importance of Rigorous and Ongoing Monitoring of Animal Feed Quality and Storage Conditions to Mitigate Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Dairy Products in Iran: A Health Policy Brief

Background: Milk and dairy products are essential for global nutrition, and ensuring their safety is crucial. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a carcinogen from contaminated animal feed, poses a significant threat to consumers. Objectives: This "health policy brief" highlights the critical need for meticulous and constant monitoring of Iran's animal feed quality and storage conditions to minimize AFM1 contamination in dairy products. Methods: Comprehensive review papers on AFM1 were reviewed in Iranian dairy products, drawing evidence from various databases. Results: The prevalence of AFM1 contamination in Iranian dairy products, particularly risky for children due to extensive consumption, exceeds safety limits, with livestock feed identified as the primary source. Public health demands rigorous monitoring practices, such as stricter feed quality and storage regulations, regular aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) testing, stakeholder collaboration, and public awareness. There are many benefits associated with these measures, including lowering AFM1 levels in dairy products, improving food safety standards, minimizing AFM1 exposure risks, especially for children, and increasing consumer confidence in the integrity of the Iranian dairy industry. Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of animal feed is crucial to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of Iranian dairy products, particularly for children. This comprehensive approach, collaboration, and public awareness are vital to mitigating AFM1 contamination and promoting Iran's safe and robust dairy industry.

Study of cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma cell line exposed to patulin and citrinin

Mycotoxins can be found in food and feed storage as well as in several kinds of foodstuff and are capable of harming mammals and some of them even in small doses. This study investigated on the undifferentiated neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y the effects of two mycotoxins: patulin (PAT) and citrinin (CTN), which are predominantly produced by fungi species Penicillium and Aspergillus. Here, the individual and combined cytotoxicity of PAT and CTN was investigated using the cytotoxic assay MTT. Our findings indicate that after 24 h of treatment, the IC50 value for PAT is 2.01 μM, which decreases at 1.5 μM after 48 h. In contrast, CTN did not attain an IC50 value at the tested concentration. Therefore, we found PAT to be the more toxic compared to CTN. However, the combined treatment suggests an additive toxic effect. With 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) DCFH-DA assay, ROS generation was demonstrated after CTN treatment, but PAT showed only small changes. The mixture presented a very constant behavior over time. Finally, the median-effect/combination index (CI-) isobologram equation demonstrated an additive effect after 24 h, but an antagonistic effect after 48 h for the interaction of the two mycotoxins.

Prevalence of mycotoxins from silage in a small beef cattle feedlot over a storage season: a case study

Challenges exist worldwide for the storage of animal feed, though year-long feeding of livestock is especially difficult in northern climates, including Canada. Usage of silage allows for crops to be harvested at the optimal nutritional value and stored for extended periods in customized storage systems. This case study investigated various feed management practices typical of small beef cattle feedlot farms in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Crop samples were collected monthly and analyzed for mycotoxins and fungal secondary metabolites by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Stored barley contained modest concentrations of deoxynivalenol and related compounds, as well as near trace amounts of fumonisin. Stored hay contained low concentrations of deoxynivalenol and beauvericin from the field. Hot spots of the Penicillium metabolite citrinin were detected after 7–8 months of storage in barley (39.2 ng g−1). Citrinin was also detected after 7–8 months in hay (16.3–17.5 ng g−1) along with the appearance of trace amounts of other storage toxins, including penitrem A (8.84 ng g−1), griseofulvin (34.8 ng g−1) and sterigmatocystin (14.1–261 ng g−1). This case study was a unique opportunity to use ‘citizen science’ to observe the onset of postharvest fungi and associated mycotoxins in various storage conditions allowing for the farmer to make necessary modifications before major problems begin. An improved understanding of the storage conditions that foster fungal growth and mycotoxin production in this working farm led to better agronomic practices, ultimately improving feed quality, livestock health, and profitability.

Environmental sustainability of milk production: a comparative environmental impact analysis and sustainability evaluation

ContextAssessing the sustainability of milk production in India (the largest milk producer country in the world) is essential to ensure that the dairy industry can meet the growing demands for dairy products while minimizing its negative impact on the environment, society, and the well-being of the people involved in the sector.ObjectiveCurrent research is intended to compare the emissions associated with packed milk production in two contrasting states, Punjab (an Indian state with helpful agricultural resources and plenty of water) and Rajasthan (a state with a significant desert area) of India. The dairy industry has to undergo different production processes, including livestock, feed, farming, transportation, processing, packaging, and distribution. All of these production steps generate environmental impacts. This study aims to compare the environmental impacts of milk production in Punjab and Rajasthan by understanding the variation in the ecological effects due to the modifications adopted in dairy practices.MethodsThis study uses Umberto LCA+ with Ecoinvent v3.6 dataset as a Life cycle assessment (LCA) tool and data collected from milk producers and processing plants. The primary data was collected from farmers (milk producers) and dairy plants (processing plants), real-time observations, and inputs from the processing plant staff. The LCA analysis was performed, including parameters such as feed agriculture, milking, storage, transportation, processing, packaging, and distribution.Results and conclusionThe analysis results indicate that milk production in Punjab is more environmentally efficient than in Rajasthan, and the feed required for cattle is a critical environmental impact-generating activity along with the selection of packaging material for processed milk.SignificanceThe current article assesses the environmental implications of milk production. The study employs a comprehensive analysis to inform sustainable practices and reduce the ecological footprint of this crucial industry.

Optimizing feed banks as an alternative to animal feed supply in the dry season in Surodadi Village, Magelang

Tepus Wetan Hamlet, Surodadi Village is in close proximity to a 17-hectare pine forest owned by Perhutani, managed by the local community, the majority of whom are engaged in farming and livestock breeding. The dry season poses challenges for farmers in providing feed for their livestock. The objective of this initiative is to enhance feed-making skills, particularly to address dry season challenges. The approach involves raising awareness about the concept and benefits of a Feed Bank, establishing and managing one, and implementing techniques for feed management and storage. Following the awareness campaign, practical training sessions were conducted on Feed Bank setup, management, and utilization. As a result, participants have gained a better understanding of feed banks and acquired new knowledge on sustainable and effective animal feed alternatives during the dry season. This initiative has positively impacted resource efficiency, livestock productivity, and agricultural income.

Evaluation of Extended Storage of Swine Complete Feed for Inactivation of Viral Contamination and Effect on Nutritional, Microbiological, and Toxicological Profiles

The extended storage of feed ingredients has been suggested as a method to mitigate the risk of pathogen transmission through contaminated ingredients. To validate the approach of extended storage of complete swine feed for the inactivation of swine viruses, an experiment was conducted wherein swine feed was inoculated with 10 mL of 1 × 105 TCID50/mL of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and Senecavirus A (SVA) and stored for 58 d at 23.9 °C. Measures of feed quality were also evaluated at the initiation and conclusion of the storage period including screening for mycotoxins, characterization of select microbiological measures, and stability of phytase and dietary vitamins. Storing feed for 58 d under either ambient or anaerobic and temperature-controlled storage conditions did not result in substantial concerns related to microbiological profiles. Upon exposure to the feed following 58 d of storage in a swine bioassay, previously confirmed naïve pigs showed no signs of PEDV or SVA replication as detected by the PCR screening of oral fluids and serum antibody screening. Infection with SVA was documented in the positive control room through diagnostic testing through the State of Minnesota. For PRRSV, the positive control room demonstrated infection. For rooms consuming inoculated feed stored for 58 d, there was no evidence of PRRSV infection with the exception of unintentional aerosol transmission via a documented biocontainment breach. In summary, storing feed for 58 d at anaerobic and temperature-controlled environmental conditions of 23.9 °C validates that the extended storage of complete swine feed can be a method to reduce risks associated with pathogen transmission through feed while having minimal effects on measures of nutritional quality.

Biosecurity implementation on large-scale poultry farms in Europe: A qualitative interview study with farmers

Biosecurity is an essential tool for rearing healthy animals. Biosecurity measures (BMs) are well known in poultry production, but it is difficult to assess actual implementation on farms. The aims of this qualitative study were (1) to provide an overview of biosecurity implementation according to poultry farmers in Europe; and (2) to better understand the reported reasons and potential obstacles for not implementing the measures. In seven European Union Member States, 192 farmers (118 under contract with a company and 68 independents) working in seven different categories of poultry production were interviewed on 62 BMs to determine the frequency of implementation and the reasons for non-implementation. Most of the replies (n = 7791) concerning BM implementation were reported by the farmers as “always” implemented (81%), statistically higher for breeders (87%) and layers (82%) and lower for independent farms versus farms under contract with a company (79.5% and 82.5%, respectively). Regardless the poultry production category, the most frequently implemented BMs declared by the farmers were daily surveillance of birds, rodent control and feed storage protection. Standard hygiene practices were also mentioned as high-implementation measures for most production categories, with some deficiencies, such as rendering tank disinfection after each collection and, for meat poultry, disinfection of the feed silo and bacterial control of house cleaning and disinfection between each cycle. The entry of vehicles and individuals onto poultry farms, especially during critical points of eggs collection for breeders and layers, as well as the presence of other animals, such as the “all in/all out” practice, particularly in layers and ducks, were also reported as the least commonly practiced measures. The main reasons for not implementing the measures (n = 1683 replies) were low awareness and poor knowledge of the expected benefits of biosecurity (“no known advantages” 14%, and “not useful” 12%), the lack of training (“not enough training” 5% and “advice” 7%), lack of time (19%), and financial aspects (17%). Despite the good overall biosecurity mentioned by the farmers, these findings highlight certain deficiencies, suggesting room for improvement and the need for targeted and tailored support of poultry farmers in Europe.

Feed handling practices, aflatoxin awareness and children's milk consumption in the Sidama region of southern Ethiopia

Consumption of milk is linked to improved nutrient intake and reduced risk of child malnutrition in low and middle-income countries. However, these benefits are contingent on the safety and quality of the milk. Milk consumption may alleviate the widespread risk of malnutrition in rural Ethiopia, but milk-borne contaminants may also compromise child health. We aimed to: i) identify the types of dairy feeds used, their storage conditions, and potential risk of aflatoxin contamination; ii) assess stakeholders' knowledge about aflatoxin contamination along the value chain; and iii) assess parental practices on feeding milk to infants and young children.This qualitative study was conducted in the Sidama region, southern Ethiopia. In-depth interviews (n = 12) and key-informant interviews (n = 18) were conducted with actors along the dairy value chain. Focus-group discussions were conducted with farmers (9FGD/n = 129) and child caregivers (9FGD/n = 122). Study participants were selected to represent a rural-urban gradient, as well as low- and high- dairy cow holdings.We found that while animal-feed processors and their distribution agents had relatively good knowledge about aflatoxin, farmers and retailers did not. Feed storage conditions were poor. Many respondents linked moldy feeds to animal health but not to human health. Farmers' feed choice was influenced by cost, seasonality, and herd size. Small-holding farmers had limited access to commercial feed. Children's consumption of milk was limited to skim milk, as butter was extracted and sold for income. The high cost of dairy products also led some parents to dilute skim milk with water before feeding children, compromising the nutritional value and safety of the milk.Our findings underscore the need to address the gaps in aflatoxin and food safety knowledge, improve storage conditions, and ensure the availability of quality feed to increase the sector's productivity, but most importantly to protect consumers' health and well-being, especially infants and young children.

Changes in the content of certain macro- and microelements in the blood of karakul sheep exposed to helminth infestation

Comprehensive studies of livestock, their feeding conditions and maintenance allow us to obtain the data necessary for the development of medical strategies and tactics in the treatment of sick animals and the prevention of endemic diseases. Considering that Uzbekistan belongs to a country where Karakul sheep are raised, and the soil is rich in eggs and larvae of geohelminths, the infection rate of lambs in the spring and summer is high. Our research was conducted taking into account the infestation of animals and how many micro- and macronutrients are lost during the disease. Lambs infected with helminths were selected using a latex agglutination reaction with a diagnosticum. With marshallagiosis, nematodyrosis and habertiosis, the content of macro– and microelements in the blood of Karakul sheep decreases (potassium – by 190.5; sodium - 552.5; calcium -9.5; copper – 0.56; zinc – 0.5 and iron - by 74.2 mg/l) especially significantly in the prenatal period of helminth development; in the imaginal period– the content of macronutrients increases, and trace elements remain at a low level. According to the results of the study, the absorption of macro- and microelements depends not only on the balance of the diet in nutrients, mineral salts and vitamins. The effect of macroand microelements on the body is largely complicated by the conditions of animal husbandry. It is necessary to have a medical examination that allows you to control the harvesting, storage and quality of feed, detect diseases in animals, in the subclinical period and timely carry out the necessary medical measures, as well as identify agrotechnical measures to improve the fodder base of the farm.