A comparative evaluation of compound feed storage methods in terms of quality and safety

Maintaining the quality and safety of compound feeds during long–term storage is one of the main directions of the feed industry development. The purpose of the study was to analyze the physico-chemical and microbiological quality indicators of compound feeds as a complete diet for laying hens after different designed storage methods. Research objective was to determine the effect of storage methods on the quality and safety of compound feed for laying hens. Four groups of laying hens compound feeds were prepared and stored in different ways: storage at a temperature of 18-20 ° C – in vacuum packaging, in a warehouse, in a package made of special "food" polypropylene fiber of high strength, in a warehouse at a temperature of 18–20°C with ozonation of the room and samples in a refrigerating room at the temperature is 5–8°C. As a control, samples were stored in a package made of high-strength "food grade" polypropylene fiber in a warehouse at a temperature of 18–20°C without ozonation of the room and samples. The physicochemical parameters, microbiological safety indicators, and the vitainin-B content in experimental and control groups were studied. Based on the results of this experiment, it was found that, the suitable methods to preserve the physico-chemical parameters, the degree of biological activity and microbiological safety of complete compound feeds for laying hens, are to store compound feed in vacuum packages and in refrigerating rooms with a temperature of no more than 5–8°C.