Feed & Additives (cont.)
Handling/Monitoring Feedstuffs
It is neither efficient nor economically feasible to test every load of grain or forage for contaminants. However, it makes good sense to obtain and store a representative sample of each batch of newly purchased feed.
- Operations purchasing outside feeds should set up a sampling program to test for quality specifications in feedstuffs such as: moisture, protein, nitrates, etc.
- Most good suppliers have a quality control testing program of their own.
- Bonded suppliers often test for: PCBs, CHCs, organophosphates, pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, and/or certain microbes. Reputable suppliers will be glad to provide test results.
- A quality control program for feedstuffs aids in preventing chemical residues.
- Visual inspection of feeds can be effective in avoiding some problems.
Other items to monitor:
- Color
- Odor
- Moisture
- Temperature
- Foreign material
- Birds & Rodents
- Insect contamination
Feedstuffs and Sources
Products, such as pesticides and conditioners, used on raised feeds must be FDA/USDA/EPA approved. As required by the Federal Worker Production Standard, proper training for pesticide handling should be available to all who work with these products. The training should include personal safety, handling accidental spills and preventing contamination of the feed and water supply.
- Maintain records of any pesticide/herbicide use on pasture or crops that could potentially lead to violative residues in grazing cattle or feedlot cattle.
- Store feed in a manner that prevents development of molds and mycotoxins and reduces exposure potential to chemicals and other contaminants.
- Programs should be designed to eliminate contamination from molds, mycotoxins or chemicals of incoming feed ingredients. Supplier assurance of feed ingredient quality is recommended.
- Suspect feedstuffs should be analyzed prior to use.
Byproducts & additives:
- Ruminant–derived protein sources cannot be fed per FDA regulations, ex. meat and bone meal (MBM)
- Feeding by–products ingredients should be supported with sound science.
- Feed only at recommended rates. Use caution when calculating rates for medicated feeds.
- Ensure that all additives are withdrawn at the proper time to avoid violative residues.
- All medicated feed additives must be used in accordance with the FDA approved label.
- Extra–label use of feed additives is strictly prohibited by federal law. No one has the authority to adjust the dose as labeled of a feed additive, including veterinarians.
Chemicals, fluids & other contaminants:
To avoid accidental livestock exposure, treat all chemicals as potential hazards. Never store chemical products where leakage or breakage can contaminate feed products or where cattle can directly consume a contaminant. For example, do not store batteries, fuel containers or paint in the same location as feedstuffs.
- Regularly check all feed–handling equipment for fluid leaks.
- Spills should be cleaned up to prevent potential contaminants from causing residues or death in cattle.
- If a feed–related poisoning is suspected, it is critical for the producer or veterinarian to contact a diagnostic laboratory for assistance in confirming the suspicion.
- If purchasing fats and oils, monitor for potential contamination. Letters of guarantee from companies supplying these materials may be requested that state these materials have been tested.
Previous Next
Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
821 N. 27th St., PMB 159,
Billings, MT 59101,
406-896-9068(o), 406-671-0851(m)
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu