Which practice is essential when using bran and other by-products to ensure safety and performance?

Which practice is essential when using bran and other by-products to ensure safety and performance?

• A. Implement quality control and mycotoxin testing.
• B. Rely only on supplier certification.
• C. Assume safe if price is low.
• D. Avoid feeding by-products.

Answer: (A)

Contaminants in bran and other by-products vary between batches and can affect animal health and performance. Implementing quality control and mycotoxin testing is essential because it directly guards against those risks. Quality control covers knowing the actual nutrient content, moisture, and storage conditions, helping ensure the feed delivers a predictable diet and reducing spoilage or mold growth. Mycotoxin testing screens for toxins like aflatoxins, DON, zearalenone, and ochratoxin, which can impair growth, immune function, liver health, or reproductive performance even at low levels. Detecting toxins before use lets you avoid unsafe lots, choose safer material, or apply appropriate mitigation, so safety and performance aren’t compromised. This approach also supports informed sourcing and use of by-products rather than relying solely on supplier certification, price, or avoiding by-products altogether.

Contaminants in bran and other by-products vary between batches and can affect animal health and performance. Implementing quality control and mycotoxin testing is essential because it directly guards against those risks. Quality control covers knowing the actual nutrient content, moisture, and storage conditions, helping ensure the feed delivers a predictable diet and reducing spoilage or mold growth. Mycotoxin testing screens for toxins like aflatoxins, DON, zearalenone, and ochratoxin, which can impair growth, immune function, liver health, or reproductive performance even at low levels. Detecting toxins before use lets you avoid unsafe lots, choose safer material, or apply appropriate mitigation, so safety and performance aren’t compromised. This approach also supports informed sourcing and use of by-products rather than relying solely on supplier certification, price, or avoiding by-products altogether.