Frequently, mold inhibitors are added to maintain feed quality. However, low levels of mold inhibitors tend to lose their effectiveness after three or four days storage. Also, these inhibitors may not be able to prevent or reduce growth in areas where the moisture level in the bin has increased through water migration. Problems related to Moldy Feed Mold growth in feed bins can create several problems. If feed clumps or bridges, it can create problems in feed distribution throughout the feeding system.
Molds also reduce palatability and nutrient utilization.
Feed intake may decline. Mycotoxins can be produced by molds growing in feeds resulting in serious health problems for poultry. Also, very small amounts of some mycotoxins seem to reduce the development of immunity of poultry to various disease pathogens and birds may not respond to vaccination or medication as would normally be expected. Selection of high quality bulk bins, followed by regular bin inspection and cleaning can promote better poultry growth and performance.