Introduction

The first step to feed quality management for beef quality assurance is the constant recognition that everything that enters the animal through feed sources has the potential to show up in the beef produced as an end product. This includes herbicides and insecticides used to grow the crop, bacteria and natural organisms that may grow in the course of feed storage, fluids leaked from feed processing equipment and for contamination to the extent of producing violative residues are rare. However, adopting a philosophy that they can occur and looking for critical points in the production process where mistakes could happen makes much of the feed quality control process a simple matter of common sense and routine checks of the system.

Feedstuffs and Sources

Homegrown feeds

Many beef producers in Minnesota produce the majority of feeds fed to their cattle on their own farms. Quality control is much easier when you have complete control of the feed production process. Most herbicides and insecticides, when used on crops according to the guidelines on the label provide a safety margin against the potential for causing harmful residues in beef. Producers should be aware of label restrictions for feeding or grazing of crops after treated with pesticides. Under certain conditions, such as drought, hail, flood, etc., crops that were originally intended for harvest as grain for example, may be best salvaged as a forage crop. It is imperative that the labels for any pesticides used are reviewed before any salvage harvest or grazing is done.

Using good management practices in the storage and processing of homegrown feeds reduces the potential for contamination by natural toxins. Harvesting and storing feeds at the correct moisture level, using good silage management and storage techniques not only help prevent contamination by molds, mycotoxins and pathogenic bacteria, but improve feed efficiency and lower cost of production.

Purchased feeds

Quality control in purchased feeds includes analysis of incoming ingredients and using select suppliers that have quality control programs in place and stand behind their products. Evaluation of feed quality differs with different ingredients. Some ingredients are naturally more perishable and higher risk than other feed ingredients. As a start, most incoming feed ingredients should be evaluated for moisture, color, odor, texture, presence of foreign material, heat damage and mold or other spoilage. Presence of any suspected problems in these areas may require further testing for heat damage, mycotoxins, ash, etc. You may also choose to routinely sample and test incoming feeds for nutrient analysis to aid in diet formulation. Keep a sample of suspected feedstuffs for later testing. Feed fats should be routinely analyzed for moisture, free fatty acids, rancidity and impurities. Or, purchase your feeds from a reliable source that guarantees routine tests and proven production methods are used. Ruminant derived animal protein feeds should never be fed to cattle under current law.

Feed storage, processing and handling

Feeds should always be handled in a way that ensures that contamination does not occur. Equipment such as end loaders that are used for loading feed should be routinely inspected for leaks in hydraulic or fluids. These fluids can be toxic if ingested and pose a residue threat. Clean tractor wheels and loaders before using them for feed handling or packing silos. Feed handling and mixing equipment should also be routinely inspected for fluid leaks and maintained properly. Never store crop chemicals, petroleum products or other potentially hazardous material in areas where feed is stored, mixed or processed.

Feed Additives

The use of medicated feeds for livestock is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Feed mills that mix certain supplements and premixes are required to register with the FDA and are subject to routine inspections. Other feed mixing facilities including on-farm mixing facilities are not required to register with the FDA, but are required to follow current good management practices. In other words, if you mix feed on the farm that contains feed additives, you must follow FDA’s CGMPs. CGMPs include the following:

1. Facilities and equipment should be constructed and maintained to minimize vermin and pest infestation, allow proper maintenance and cleaning, accurately produce feed of intended use and prevent accidental contamination from fertilizers, pesticides or other contaminants.

2. Quality assurance of feed products through identification, storage, inventory control, documented corrective actions and adherence to label instructions.

3. Proper equipment cleanout procedures to prevent carryover.

4. Proper labeling and complete records of feed formulations, mixing and deliveries.

A more complete document outlining CGMPs for non-registered feed mills is available from the FDA.

Beef Quality Assurance National Guidelines

Feedstuffs:

·       Maintain records of any pesticide/herbicide use on pasture or crops that could potentially lead to violative residues in grazing cattle or feedlot cattle.

·       Adequate quality control program(s) are in place for incoming feedstuffs. Program(s) should be designed to eliminate contamination from molds, mycotoxins or chemicals of incoming feed ingredients. Supplier assurance of feed ingredient quality is recommended.

·       Suspect feedstuffs should be analyzed prior to use.

·       Ruminant-derived protein sources cannot be fed per PDA regulations.

·       Feeding by-products ingredients should be supported with sound science.

 

Feed Additives and Medications:

·       Only FDA approved medicated feed additives will be used in rations.

·     Medicated feed additives will be used in accordance with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulation.

·       Follow Judicious Antibiotic Use Guidelines.

·       Extra-label use of feed additives is illegal and strictly prohibited.

·       To avoid violative residues — withdrawal times must be strictly adhered to.

·       Where applicable, complete records must be kept when formulating or feeding medicated feed rations.

·       Records are to be kept a minimum of two years.

·       Operator will assure that all additives are withdrawn at the proper time to avoid violative residues.

 

Processing/Treatment and Records:

•  Following all FDA/USDA/EPA guidelines for product(s) utilized.

•  All products are to be used per label directions.

•  Extra-label drug use shall be kept to a minimum, and uses only when prescribed by a veterinarian working under a Valid Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR).

•  Strict adherence to extended withdrawal periods (as determined by the veterinarian within the context of a valid VCPR) shall be employed.

• Treatment records will be maintained with the following recorded:

1.  Individual animal or group identification

2.  Date treated

3.  Product administrated and manufacture’s lot/serial number

4.  Dosage used

5.     Route and location of administration.

6.     Earliest date animal will have cleared withdrawal period.