During the storage, transportation, sale, and use of feed, it is highly susceptible to mold contamination. The growth and reproduction of mold in feed not only consume essential nutrients but also degrade the overall quality of the feed, reduce its nutritional value, and lead to health issues such as diarrhea, enteritis, reduced digestive function, and weakened immune responses. In severe cases, this can even result in animal death. As a result, feed manufacturers and researchers worldwide have placed significant emphasis on developing and applying anti-mold technologies.
In recent years, various methods have been widely used in both China and abroad to prevent mold growth in feed. One of the most effective techniques is **radiation sterilization**. After the feed is ground or pelleted, it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria like *Salmonella* and *E. coli*. American researchers conducted an experiment where they irradiated chicken feed with 10 kGy of radiation and stored it at 30°C and 80% humidity for a month. No mold growth was observed. In contrast, non-irradiated feed stored under the same conditions became moldy within the same period. This method effectively prevents microbial growth, allowing the feed to remain safe and stable for long-term storage.
Another common approach is the use of **anti-mold agents**. These include substances such as potassium iodide, calcium iodate, calcium propionate, formic acid, seaweed powder, and citrus peel ethanol extract. Japanese scientists found that a combination of different anti-mold agents works better than using them individually. For instance, a mixture containing 92% seaweed powder, 4% calcium iodate, and 4% calcium propionate (in a total of 8% concentration) was added to feed. When stored at 30°C and 100% humidity, the feed remained mold-free for a full month, while untreated feed became moldy within five days. This led to the development of a high-efficiency anti-mold agent by combining seaweed powder with calcium iodate.
A third method involves the use of **mold-proof packaging bags**. Japanese researchers developed a special type of packaging made from polyolefin resin containing 0.01% to 0.50% vanillin or ethyl vanillin. The resin slowly releases these compounds into the feed, preventing mold growth and adding a pleasant aroma that improves palatability. An outer layer is also added to control the release of the active ingredients. The concentration of vanillin or ethyl vanillin must be carefully balanced—too low reduces effectiveness, while too high may compromise the integrity of the packaging film.
In addition, some countries have combined **chemical disinfection with radiation** to enhance anti-mold effects. Researchers in the former Soviet Union found that treating feed with chemicals like ammonia, propionic acid, or formic acid before irradiating it with ultraviolet light significantly reduced microbial growth. By grinding the feed to 0.2 mm and applying the chemical treatment, followed by UV irradiation at 120 kJ/m², they achieved a 99.8% reduction in microbial activity. This method also increased the vitamin D content in the feed to 180 mg/kg, making it more beneficial than using either technique alone.
Finally, **genetic modification of fungi** has emerged as a promising strategy. Mold in feed is often caused by *Aspergillus* species, which produce harmful aflatoxins. Scientists have genetically altered these fungi to disable their ability to produce aflatoxin. These modified fungi can then compete with wild strains, helping to control contamination and reduce the risk of toxic mold growth in feed.
These diverse anti-mold technologies are continuously evolving, driven by the need to ensure feed safety, improve animal health, and meet growing global demand for high-quality livestock products.
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