The assessment of microbiological purity of selected components of animal feeds and mixtures which underwent thermal processing

Abstract

Microorganisms which contaminate animal feeds pose a threat not only to animals but also indirectly to humans through their consumption of products of animal origin. The aim of the present study was to assess microbiological cleanness of selected resources and ready-made feed mixtures before and after thermal processing. The results indicated that the most bacteriologically contaminated resources were oats (Avena sativa), wheat middlings, wheat (Triticum vulgare), and poultry feed mixture KDKA F35%. The least contaminated were maize (Zea) and Prowit – feed mixture for livestock. The examined feed resources were contaminated with moulds, among which dominated: Aspergillus and Penicillium. The findings of bacteriological and mycological contamination assure instead of allow stating that thermal processing limits microbiological contamination of animal feeds. In order to protect the health of animals as well as consumers it seems advisable to seek new methods of thermal processing in the production of animal feeds to provide their high quality and safety.