All About Feed issue 9 now available online

Enzymes against mycotoxins

Several approaches and technologies may be used to deal with mycotoxins. These include the plant breeding for more resistance, proper storage conditions or treatment of grains with ozone, ammonia, or alkali. Although none of the treatment technologies have been implemented beyond an experimental or pilot scale. One of approaches, examined and implemented by Biomin, to mycotoxin mitigation is to make additional, microbial enzymes available which act in the gastrointestinal tract and convert mycotoxins to non-toxic metabolites. Dieter Moll from Biomin explains more about this technology on page 20 of this issue.

Sunflower meal

With a novel processing method, feed ingredients like rapeseed cake as well as sunflower meal can be used better for piglets. According to recent research, this way also expensive soy can be replaced. German trials delved deeper into this issue, as explained in the article on page 28 of this issue, It was shown that with technically enhanced feed ingredients like sunflower meal and rapeseed cake an adequate replacement is available for soymeal in grower feeding. Moreover, a higher share of crude fibre in these components did not have a negative influence on growth and ration digestibility. On the contrary: a positive influence on the intestinal health was observed on the basis of a better faecal consistency.

Photo: Dreamstime

Feed drying want does it cost you?

In this issue, we also take a look at the costs for feed drying. As a feed processor, you know your drying operation has a significant impact on your bottom line. Drying is a very energy-intensive operation. That’s why most processors diligently track the cost of fuel used in their drying operation. Are you aware, however, that your dryer could be costing you 10 times as much in terms of lost production compared to energy costs? You may be sending over 3% of your production out the exhaust stack without even knowing it. Downtime for dryer cleaning and maintenance may also be costing you more than you know. The article on page 13 describes the economics of drying in more detail and outline three operational areas which could significantly improve your bottom line.

Photo: Eric Berndt

Also in this issue:

– Russian feed industry welcomes oilseed boost

– Selenocysteine: The functional selenium

– Improving healthy post-weaning performance

– Developing innovative yeast derivatives

– Is fatty food to blame for the pet obesity epidemic?

To read all the articles in this issue, go to the magazine overview page and sign up with your current website login.