The importance of input microbiological control of raw materials in feed production

Forage production is a large and multifaceted branch of agriculture that determines the state of animal husbandry as a whole. The basis for the rapid and effective development of the livestock industry of the domestic agro-industrial complex is several factors, namely: the creation of highly productive livestock; the development of modern high-tech infrastructure; the formation of a reliable feed base, taking into account its filling with balanced, biologically complete, and most importantly safe feed. The use of a wide variety of raw materials of plant and animal origin in the production of compound feeds requires systematic (planned) and timely chemical-toxicological and bacteriological control. The large number of suppliers, the complexity of transportation and storage of raw materials increase the potential risks of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora entering the finished feed. This article lists the current rules and techniques necessary for bacteriological testing of raw materials used in forage production. The analysis and systematization of regulatory documentation regulating bacteriological safety indicators of raw materials is carried out. There are errors in the regulatory documentation that allow feed manufacturers to carry out an insufficiently complete bacteriological analysis of raw materials, which in turn has serious consequences in epizootic safety. This article reflects the potential consequences of using raw materials with bacterial contamination and the possibility of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora entering ready-made compound feed. The characteristics of infectious agents that are controlled in raw materials and compound feeds are given in detail, in addition, the importance of controlling opportunistic microflora is described. At the same time, the importance of identifying microorganisms in raw materials and compound feeds is noted.