Improve Feed Sampling Using K-State's New Resources

One source of disease-producing pathogens often overlooked is feed. Kansas State University provides new feed sampling resources to help educate and standardize the procedure.
One source of disease-producing pathogens often overlooked is feed. Kansas State University provides new feed sampling resources to help educate and standardize the procedure.
(National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff)

Though many miles may separate one operation from another, a feed mill might be the common denominator when it comes to a disease outbreak.

“The concept of feed safety or applying biosecurity to a feed mill and feed delivery system, has become more common in the swine industry to limit pathogen introduction into feed mills or production locations,” says Grace Houston, DVM, in a recent release.

Kansas State University’s Animal Sciences and Industry department recently updated its website to include new feed sampling resources.

“These resources were designed with the intent of meeting the industry's need for sampling resources of pathogens within feed mills,” Houston explains.

Implementing a sampling program to measure the amount of potential pathogen contamination within a feed mill is challenging given the uncertainty of sample size and minimal standardization for sampling techniques, says the release.

To help standardize the procedures and provide additional resources, K-State’s website topics include:

• How to take feed and environmental samples (bacterial and viral)

• How to log feed samples

• How to ship feed samples to a laboratory

• Appropriate sample sizes

• Sample types

• Where to collect samples

• How to interpret results from laboratory analysis

• Strategies to reduce contamination

Information is available to anyone in a variety of formats for free through the K-State website.

 

Latest News

AFIA Objects to EPA’s Draft Risk Evaluation of Formaldehyde
AFIA Objects to EPA’s Draft Risk Evaluation of Formaldehyde

The American Feed Industry Association says formaldehyde has been "safely used in the U.S. animal food industry for over 40 years via accurate automated equipment."

Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends
Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends

The Meat Institute and FMI-The Food Industry Association released the 19th annual Power of Meat report.

Cattle Imports from Mexico
Cattle Imports from Mexico

Mexico has become one of the major beef import sources for the U.S. as beef trade evolved from simply supplementing deficit beef production in Mexico to bilateral, product specific trade between the two countries.

Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs
Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs

All classes of cattle sold at higher prices for the week and most are at or near record highs. Supplies of all classes remain extremely tight.

International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource
International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource

International Genetic Solutions (IGS) recently unveiled a new information resource and video platform for important beef industry topics pertinent to producers’ bottom lines.

Sage_Grouse_Booming
Ranchers Urge BLM to Incorporate Latest Science in New Sage Grouse Plans

NCBA and PLC are requesting that BLM significantly extend the comment period deadlines while ranchers and other local stakeholders evaluate these lengthy proposals.