Microbiological quality of Queensland stockfeeds with special reference to salmonella

One hundred Queensland stockfeeds were examined for their counts of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, fungi and salmonellas. The total aerobic bacteria, coliform and fungal counts were significantly higher (P < 0.005) for mashes than for crumbles and pellets and salmonellas were isolated from significantly more (P < 0.005) mashes (64%) than pellets and crumbles (8%). Counts of less than 1 salmonella per 100 g were found in 36.4% of the 44 positive feeds. The remainder of the counts ranged from 1.2 per 100 g to greater than 147 salmonellas per 100 g feed.