Farmers have long suffered from the effects of poor-quality feeds in the market. This includes reduced production and, hence, the high cost of production. Though farmers can manage to formulate their own foods, the majority depend on what is in the market. Here are several ways to help such farmers identify low-quality feeds.
Taking feed samples to the lab
If a farmer doubts the quality of feeds, he can take a sample to the lab for analysis. The tests include an analysis of aflatoxin levels and nutrition. This will tell the level of nutrients and the safety of the feed to animals.
This should be done randomly, especially if you have many animals and poultry. The results are then compared with the indicated nutrient level on the bag.
Request feeds analysis report before purchase.
Farmers have the right to request the feed analysis report before purchasing feed. Every feed formulator must take his feeds for analysis at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) before certification.
However, it is good to know there may be a variance as the quality taken for analysis may not be the same as the ones sold. Therefore, this may not give the information.
Checking the physical appearance of the feeds
The feeds should have a maximum moisture content of 13%. They should always be stored in a dry place free of moisture. The low moisture inhibits mould development. This prevents risks of aflatoxin growth.
Feeds should be free of humps of ‘solid-like. They should also not be rotting; feeding rotting feeds containing aflatoxins has been associated with animal cancer, stillbirth, and a decline in yields. Frequent complex wave disease is also a sign of feeds with contaminations.
For instance, to test if the feed has added sand, the farmer can add a handful to a tin of water. All the feeds should float. If there is any sink residue, check it out; it will probably be sand. Therefore, do not feed animals or poultry with the feeds; otherwise, you risk getting hardware disease. Read Also: Mastitis-The Most Commonly Occurring Disease On Dairy Farms
The farmer should also check for strings, wires, maize cobs, leaves or any foreign objects on the feeds.
A large number of protein particles means the feeds are high in protein, as most protein supplements, like sunflowers, are black in colour.
Avoid buying feeds from formulators with a history of adulterating feeds. Good quality is always expensive. Avoid buying cheap feeds that cannot be traced back to the formulator.
You can also choose the feeds at home using locally available ingredients to avoid these high. It is cheap and affordable. Request feeds formulation formulas HERE.
Image credit:agriland, KOOKLE
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