The northeastern region continues to experience heavy rainfall, leading to widespread issues with mold caused by high humidity. Many readers have contacted the newspaper to report that moldy feed is becoming increasingly common. Mold not only reduces the nutritional value of feed but also affects its taste. More seriously, it can lead to mycotoxin contamination, which poses a significant risk to livestock and poultry. Mild cases may hinder growth and development, while severe cases can result in poisoning or even death. This not only causes substantial economic losses for farmers but also threatens human food safety.
For mildly moldy feed or raw materials, it is advisable to mix them with other feeds and avoid using them as the main component for animals. However, if the mold is severe, it is better to dispose of the feed, as the cost of treatment may be too high. There are several effective methods available for treating moldy feed:
**Removal Method**: This method is suitable for straw and pellet feed. If mold appears, simply remove the affected parts.
**Washing Method**: Ideal for seed-based feed, this involves grinding the moldy feed, soaking it in water, stirring multiple times, and changing the water twice daily until the water runs clear.
**Drying Method**: Best for large quantities of straw feed. The moldy feed is first sun-dried, then ventilated and shaken to remove the mold.
**Heating Method**: Applicable to cake raw materials. Baking at 150°C for 30 minutes or microwaving for 8–9 minutes can destroy up to 48–61% of aflatoxin.
**De-embryo Method**: Used for corn, where the toxin is mainly concentrated in the embryo. Grinding the corn into small particles, mixing with water, and removing the floating embryos can effectively reduce toxins.
**Lime Water Immersion Method**: Suitable for corn and sorghum. After grinding, the feed is mixed with lime powder and soaked in water for several hours before rinsing and drying.
**Ammonia Method**: Effective for bran feed. Using ammonia water at a rate of 12.5g per kg of feed, sealing it for several days can significantly reduce mycotoxins.
**Alkaline Cooking Method**: Used for seed-based feed. Mixing with water and soda ash or lime, cooking, and then rinsing helps neutralize toxins.
**Adsorption Method**: Adding clay or zeolite (which contains aluminosilicate) to feed can help adsorb mycotoxins, improving both safety and animal health.
**Fermentation Method**: Using Lactobacillus can break down aflatoxin, reducing its toxicity while enhancing feed quality and palatability.
Farmers can also use anti-fungal agents to prevent mold. Propionic acid and its salts are commonly used, with ammonium dipropionate being a more user-friendly option due to its less corrosive nature. Composite anti-mold agents, which combine different organic acids, are gaining popularity globally for their broader effectiveness and enhanced protection against mold.
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