Effect of processing techniques on the quality of animal feed

The objective of this chapter is to demonstrate how the manipulation of extrusion processing parameters such as specific mechanical energy (SME) can directly influence the nutritional value of a given formulation component such as starch in a dry animal feed formulation.

Advances in understanding key contamination risks in animal feed: mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi, especially Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Over 400 mycotoxins have been identified, most notably aflatoxins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, fumonisins and ochratoxins. These low molecular weight compounds are naturally occurring and (seem to be) unavoidable. In fact, a high percentage of feed samples have been reported to be contaminated with more than one mycotoxin. Mycotoxins accumulate in corn, cereals, soybeans, sorghum, peanuts, and other food and feed crops, directly in the field or during the transportation, processing or storage stages. Consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated food or feed can lead acute or chronic toxicity in humans and animals, as well as crop losses. This chapter reviews the toxicity of the six mycotoxins, the foods they commonly contaminate, and the current methods used to detect and control of these mycotoxins.

Developing effective product dossiers for regulatory approval of new animal feed products

This chapter describes the key steps in compiling product dossiers required to gain regulatory approval for new animal feed products. As an example, the chapter describes the data needed for a feed additive dossier in the European Union (EU) as mandated by the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA).

Risk management systems for prevention and control of contaminants in animal feed

Feed safety remains an issue for both the health of livestock and as a prerequisite for food safety. Risk assessment plays a role in identifying and determining potential risks of contaminants. When contaminants limits are defined, risk management systems can be designed for prevention and control. Finally, risk communication covers the technical information shared between governments, academia, the different players involved in feed production, and the public. This chapter focuses on management systems used to prevent and control contaminants in animal feed. A brief introduction to feed contaminants and new feed ingredients is given, followed by a description of the main risk management systems applied in Europe and the US.

Developments in techniques to test the efficacy of animal feed products

Various animal feed products may influence animal health, conversion of animal feed into food of animal origin and the emissions caused by animals. All these matters are regulated in the directives of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This chapter first discusses EFSA guidance on how to compile dossiers for feed additives. The chapter then discusses key issues and steps in demonstrating the efficacy of new animal feed products: reduction of nitrogen (N) excretion, reduction of feed contamination of by mycotoxins and, finally, reduction of methane emissions with feed additives. Key steps, such as the use of in vitro and in vivo studies, to test the effects of feed additives are discussed in detail.

Processing techniques to optimize digestibility and nutritional value of animal feed

This chapter reviews the effects of feed manufacturing processes on the nutritional value of feed. It discusses the effects of particle size reduction and pelleting on feed digestibility and the overall performance of pigs/swine and broiler chickens.

Techniques for identifying new animal feed ingredients and additives

The identification of potential novel feed ingredients requires quick and effective analytical techniques to assess their composition and functionality. This chapter provides a practical guide to routine and standard methods to detect the main traits of interest in animal feed ingredients and additives. It discusses techniques to evaluate feed nutritional value, including chemical composition and nutrient digestibility. The chapter reviews different in vitro methods for feed evaluation systems as well as assessment of nutrient molecular structure. The chapter also discusses analysis of feed bioactive compounds and their functionality. The chapter concludes with a case study on seaweeds as a potential novel feed for livestock.

Trends in analytical techniques for testing animal feed

The challenges for the feed analysis sector will be to ensure feed quality and safety. Innovative strategies need to be implemented to authenticate feed and feed ingredients and to check that they fulfill all labelling obligations. This chapter focusses on the authentication of feed by different but complementary analytical techniques as microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, genomics and proteomics. For each technique, trends are presented and, in addition, some combinations of technologies are shown in order to find solutions for complex situations. Moreover, with the explosion of data provided by the different technologies, Data Science is gaining importance as well as the interest for fast, mobile and greener technologies.