Microbiological and physical-chemical aspects of three commercial feedstuffs under different storage condition

Abstract

Three commercial feeds for ostrich, fish and horses were evaluated during the period from September 2005 to January 2006, with respect to their microbiological and physicochemical characteristics. The samples were collected in Industry, Ideal Distributor and Problem Distributor and storage conditions was considered as treatment. To define the storage conditions of rations were evaluated ambient temperature and relative air humidity in site. Data analyzed were mold and yeast count, humidity and water activity. The experiment was entirely randomized design, with factorial arranged 3x3x5. Rations stored on the Distributor Problem showed significantly higher evels in the molds and yeasts, humidity and activity of water than those stored in Industry and Ideal Distributor. Among rations, there were differences in molds and yeast count, but no difference in moisture and water activity. In the experiment a significant interaction between treatments and rations evaluated, as well as between treatment and storage time. In conclusion, environmental conditions during storage influenced the microbiological aspects of physical, chemical and commercial foods intended for animal feed.