Quality changes in animal feed resulting from extended storage

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Laboratory Animal Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Autoclaving is a common method for sterilizing animal feed.
• Concerns exist regarding the impact of extended storage on autoclaved feed quality.
• Maintaining feed integrity is crucial for experimental animal welfare and research outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of extended storage on autoclaved animal feed quality.
• To determine if prolonged storage of autoclaved feed is detrimental to experimental animals.
• To establish safe storage durations for autoclaved feed.

Main Methods:

• Fresh animal feed was autoclaved weekly and stored under controlled conditions (18.5 ± 2°C, 50 ± 5% RH).
• Feed storage durations included 10, 74, and 130 days.
• Weanling BALB/c and B6C3F1 mice were used, with measurements of food consumption, body weight, and serum protein levels over 13 weeks.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in serum protein levels or weight ratios among the different feed storage groups.
• Statistical analysis revealed interactions among gender, replication, and mouse genome, but not related to feed storage duration.
• Histological examination of livers showed no signs of disease or nutritional disorders in any treatment group.

Conclusions:

• Autoclaved animal feed can be stored for up to 130 days without apparent adverse effects on the health or physiological parameters of BALB/c and B6C3F1 mice.
• This study validates extended storage periods for autoclaved feed, potentially improving logistical efficiency in research facilities.
• The findings support the use of longer-term storage of autoclaved feed, ensuring its quality and safety for experimental animals.