Moisture Management

[AHMED]

even though it increases weight of produce but not ok for birds n animal.

[AHMED]

it reduce the shelf life of product.

it reduce expected quality

[Md Abdul Bari]

Moisture significantly impacts feed quality by influencing its nutritional value, storage stability, and palatability. Here’s how moisture affects feed quality:

1. Nutritional Content

Dilution of Nutrients: High moisture content reduces the concentration of nutrients like protein, energy, and minerals, as water displaces dry matter in the feed.

Energy Loss: Excessive moisture can lead to fermentation, which consumes sugars and carbohydrates, reducing the energy available to livestock.

2. Storage and Preservation

Mold and Mycotoxins: High moisture content creates a favorable environment for mold growth, which can produce harmful mycotoxins that are toxic to animals.

Spoilage: Moist feed is prone to spoilage due to microbial activity, especially during warm or humid conditions.

Storage Losses: Excess moisture can lead to heating and spoilage in storage, resulting in significant feed wastage.

3. Palatability and Intake

Reduced Palatability: Moldy or spoiled feed is less palatable to animals, which can reduce feed intake.

Digestive Issues: Consuming spoiled or excessively moist feed can cause digestive disturbances in livestock.

4. Processing and Handling

Difficulty in Processing: Feed with high moisture content is harder to grind, mix, or pelletize and may clog machinery.

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

In combination with high temperatures, too much moisture in feed can favor the growth of mold. Molds spoil feed by depleting energy and nutrients and rendering the feed unpalatable.