[Muhammad Ahmad]

​The most common method for removing husks (dehulling) from soybeans is a mechanical process that involves:

1. ​Cleaning and Conditioning: The soybeans are first cleaned to remove foreign materials, then their moisture content is adjusted through a process of heating and drying. This conditioning step makes the hulls more brittle and easier to remove.
2. ​Cracking: The conditioned soybeans are passed through cracking rollers that break the beans into several pieces and fracture the outer hulls.

1. ​Aspiration: The cracked soybeans are then sent to an aspirator, which uses air to separate the lighter hulls from the heavier cotyledons (the inner parts of the bean).

​For smaller-scale or home use, soybeans can be soaked in water to soften the husks, then rubbed or kneaded to loosen them before being skimmed from the water.​The most common method for removing husks (dehulling) from soybeans is a mechanical process that involves:
​Cleaning and Conditioning: The soybeans are first cleaned to remove foreign materials, then their moisture content is adjusted through a process of heating and drying. This conditioning step makes the hulls more brittle and easier to remove.
​Cracking: The conditioned soybeans are passed through cracking rollers that break the beans into several pieces and fracture the outer hulls.
​Aspiration: The cracked soybeans are then sent to an aspirator, which uses air to separate the lighter hulls from the heavier cotyledons (the inner parts of the bean).
​

[Muhammad Ahmad]

​The most common contaminants in animal feeds can be broadly categorized into three main types: biological, chemical, and physical.

​1. Biological Contaminants

​These are living organisms or their byproducts that can cause disease or spoilage.

• ​Mycotoxins: This is one of the most significant and widespread groups of contaminants. Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi (molds) that grow on agricultural crops in the field or during storage. Common mycotoxins include:
  • ​Aflatoxins: Produced by Aspergillus species, these are highly toxic and can cause liver damage, liver failure, and cancer in animals. They can be found in corn, peanuts, and other grains.
  • ​Fumonisins: Produced by Fusarium molds, these are a common contaminant in corn and can cause serious diseases like equine leukoencephalomalacia (“moldy corn poisoning”) in horses and pulmonary edema in pigs.
  • ​Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as Vomitoxin: Produced by Fusarium species, DON can cause vomiting, feed refusal, and immune system suppression in many animal species.
  • ​Zearalenone: This mycotoxin mimics the effects of estrogen and can cause reproductive problems in livestock, particularly in swine.
  • ​Ochratoxins: Produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium molds, these can cause kidney damage and other health issues.

  issues.

  • ​Pathogenic Bacteria: Contamination with disease-causing bacteria can occur at various stages, from the field to the feed mill.
    • ​Salmonella: A major concern, especially in feeds for poultry and other livestock, as it can be transmitted through the food chain to humans.
    • ​E. coli: Certain strains can cause severe illness in animals and are a risk for human foodborne illness.
    • ​Listeria: Can contaminate silage and other feeds and cause listeriosis, a serious disease, particularly in sheep.

    .

    ​2. Chemical Contaminants

    ​These are non-living substances that can be toxic or harmful.

    • ​Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic can accumulate in animal tissues and are harmful to both the animal and to humans who consume meat, milk, or eggs from those animals. These can enter the feed supply from contaminated soil, fertilizers, or industrial pollution.
    • ​Pesticides and Herbicides: Residues from agricultural chemicals used on crops can remain on feed ingredients. While regulated, excessive levels can be harmful.
    • ​Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): These are persistent environmental pollutants from industrial processes that can contaminate soil, water, and feed ingredients. They are highly toxic and can accumulate in animal fat.
    • ​Veterinary Drugs and Additives: Unintentional contamination can occur if feeds containing a specific drug are mixed with feeds for animals that are not supposed to receive that drug. For example, a medication intended for one species might be harmful to another.
    • ​Naturally Occurring Toxins: Some plants used in feed can contain natural toxins, such as alkaloids, which can be harmful if not managed properly.

    ​3. Physical Contaminants

    ​These are foreign objects that can pose a physical hazard to the animal.

    • ​Metal fragments: Screws, bolts, wires, or other metal pieces can break off from machinery during harvesting, processing, or handling. Ingestion can cause internal injuries.
    • ​Glass: Broken glass from light fixtures or other sources can enter the feed.
    • ​Plastic: Pieces of plastic from bags, containers, or other equipment.
    • ​Stones and Dirt: These can come from the field and can be harmful if not removed.
    • ​Animal waste: Contamination from animal droppings can introduce pathogenic bacteria into the feed.​The most common contaminants in animal feeds can be broadly categorized into three main types: biological, chemical, and physical.
      ​1. Biological Contaminants
      ​These are living organisms or their byproducts that can cause disease or spoilage.
      ​Mycotoxins: This is one of the most significant and widespread groups of contaminants. Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi (molds) that grow on agricultural crops in the field or during storage. Common mycotoxins include:
      ​Aflatoxins: Produced by Aspergillus species, these are highly toxic and can cause liver damage, liver failure, and cancer in animals. They can be found in corn, peanuts, and other grains.
      ​Fumonisins: Produced by Fusarium molds, these are a common contaminant in corn and can cause serious diseases like equine leukoencephalomalacia (“moldy corn poisoning”) in horses and pulmonary edema in pigs.
      ​Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as Vomitoxin: Produced by Fusarium species, DON can cause vomiting, feed refusal, and immune system suppression in many animal species.
      ​Zearalenone: This mycotoxin mimics the effects of estrogen and can cause reproductive problems in livestock, particularly in swine.
      ​Ochratoxins: Produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium molds, these can cause kidney damage and other health issues.
      ​Pathogenic Bacteria: Contamination with disease-causing bacteria can occur at various stages, from the field to the feed mill.
      ​Salmonella: A major concern, especially in feeds for poultry and other livestock, as it can be transmitted through the food chain to humans.
      ​E. coli: Certain strains can cause severe illness in animals and are a risk for human foodborne illness.
      ​Listeria: Can contaminate silage and other feeds and cause listeriosis, a serious disease, particularly in sheep.
      ​2. Chemical Contaminants
      ​These are non-living substances that can be toxic or harmful.
      ​Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic can accumulate in animal tissues and are harmful to both the animal and to humans who consume meat, milk, or eggs from those animals. These can enter the feed supply from contaminated soil, fertilizers, or industrial pollution.
      ​Pesticides and Herbicides: Residues from agricultural chemicals used on crops can remain on feed ingredients. While regulated, excessive levels can be harmful.
      ​Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): These are persistent environmental pollutants from industrial processes that can contaminate soil, water, and feed ingredients. They are highly toxic and can accumulate in animal fat.
      ​Veterinary Drugs and Additives: Unintentional contamination can occur if feeds containing a specific drug are mixed with feeds for animals that are not supposed to receive that drug. For example, a medication intended for one species might be harmful to another.
      ​Naturally Occurring Toxins: Some plants used in feed can contain natural toxins, such as alkaloids, which can be harmful if not managed properly.
      ​3. Physical Contaminants
      ​These are foreign objects that can pose a physical hazard to the animal.
      ​Metal fragments: Screws, bolts, wires, or other metal pieces can break off from machinery during harvesting, processing, or handling. Ingestion can cause internal injuries.
      ​Glass: Broken glass from light fixtures or other sources can enter the feed.
      ​Plastic: Pieces of plastic from bags, containers, or other equipment.
      ​Stones and Dirt: These can come from the field and can be harmful if not removed.
      ​Animal waste: Contamination from animal droppings can introduce pathogenic bacteria into the feed.

[Muhammad Ahmad]

​Managing hygiene during raw material unloading is a critical first step in ensuring the safety and quality of the final product, whether it’s for human food or animal feed. Contamination at this stage can be difficult or impossible to reverse later in the process.

​Here are the key measures to manage hygiene during raw material unloading:

​1. Site and Equipment Hygiene

• ​Clean Receiving Area: The unloading area, including the receiving bay, floor, and surrounding grounds, must be kept clean and free from debris, dust, and standing water. This prevents contaminants from being tracked into the facility.

• ​Dedicated Equipment: Use dedicated equipment for raw material unloading, such as shovels, hoppers, or forklift attachments. This equipment should be cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent cross-contamination between different batches of raw materials.
• ​Pest Control: The receiving area and surrounding grounds must have an effective pest control program in place to prevent rodents, insects, and birds from contaminating the raw materials.
• ​Proper Drainage: Ensure the receiving area has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

​2. Vehicle and Driver Protocols

• ​Vehicle Inspection: Before unloading, a thorough inspection of the delivery vehicle is essential. Check for signs of damage, leaks, or other issues that could have compromised the raw material during transport. The vehicle’s cleanliness, especially the interior of the container or tanker, should be verified.

• ​Driver Hygiene: The driver and any personnel involved in the unloading process must follow strict personal hygiene protocols, including wearing clean clothing, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, hairnets, and dedicated footwear.

• ​No Contaminating Materials: The delivery vehicle should not be carrying any other materials that could contaminate the raw materials, such as chemicals, fuels, or waste.

​3. Raw Material Handling and Storage

• ​Supplier Approval: Only accept raw materials from approved vendors who meet specific quality and hygiene standards. This includes having a robust supplier verification program to ensure they follow their own good manufacturing practices (GMP).

• ​Visual Inspection: As the raw materials are unloaded, personnel should conduct a visual inspection to look for signs of spoilage, foreign objects (e.g., pests, metal, plastic), or damage to the packaging (e.g., ripped bags, punctured drums).

• ​Temperature Control: For temperature-sensitive materials, the temperature of the delivery vehicle and the raw material itself must be checked and recorded upon arrival. The material should be unloaded and moved to its designated storage area as quickly as possible to maintain the proper temperature.

• ​Segregation: Raw materials must be segregated to prevent cross-contamination. This includes separating different types of materials, allergens, and high-risk ingredients from each other.
• ​First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO): Implement a robust inventory management system to ensure that older stock is used first. This prevents spoilage and deterioration of raw materials over time.

​4. Personnel Hygiene and Training

• ​Personal Hygiene: All employees involved in the unloading process must be trained on personal hygiene protocols, including proper handwashing techniques and wearing appropriate clean protective gear. They should be aware of the “no eating, drinking, or smoking” rule in the unloading and storage areas.

• ​Health and Wellness: Employees with symptoms of illness should not be permitted to handle raw materials to prevent the spread of pathogens.

• ​Dedicated Changing Facilities: Provide a designated area for employees to change into clean work clothes and footwear before entering the raw material handling area.

​5. Documentation and Traceability

• ​Traceability System: Implement a system to track each batch of raw material from the supplier to its final use. This is crucial for quick recall and investigation in case of a quality or safety issue.

• ​Receiving Log: Maintain a detailed log of all incoming raw materials, including the supplier’s name, lot number, date of receipt, and any observations made during the inspection. This documentation serves as a critical part of the overall food safety management system.

​By implementing these comprehensive hygiene measures, a facility can effectively manage the risks associated with raw material unloading, ensuring the safety and integrity of the final product from the very beginning of the production process.​Managing hygiene during raw material unloading is a critical first step in ensuring the safety and quality of the final product, whether it’s for human food or animal feed. Contamination at this stage can be difficult or impossible to reverse later in the process.
​Here are the key measures to manage hygiene during raw material unloading:
​1. Site and Equipment Hygiene
​Clean Receiving Area: The unloading area, including the receiving bay, floor, and surrounding grounds, must be kept clean and free from debris, dust, and standing water. This prevents contaminants from being tracked into the facility.
​Dedicated Equipment: Use dedicated equipment for raw material unloading, such as shovels, hoppers, or forklift attachments. This equipment should be cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent cross-contamination between different batches of raw materials.
​Pest Control: The receiving area and surrounding grounds must have an effective pest control program in place to prevent rodents, insects, and birds from contaminating the raw materials.
​Proper Drainage: Ensure the receiving area has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
​2. Vehicle and Driver Protocols
​Vehicle Inspection: Before unloading, a thorough inspection of the delivery vehicle is essential. Check for signs of damage, leaks, or other issues that could have compromised the raw material during transport. The vehicle’s cleanliness, especially the interior of the container or tanker, should be verified.
​Driver Hygiene: The driver and any personnel involved in the unloading process must follow strict personal hygiene protocols, including wearing clean clothing, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, hairnets, and dedicated footwear.
​No Contaminating Materials: The delivery vehicle should not be carrying any other materials that could contaminate the raw materials, such as chemicals, fuels, or waste.
​3. Raw Material Handling and Storage
​Supplier Approval: Only accept raw materials from approved vendors who meet specific quality and hygiene standards. This includes having a robust supplier verification program to ensure they follow their own good manufacturing practices (GMP).
​Visual Inspection: As the raw materials are unloaded, personnel should conduct a visual inspection to look for signs of spoilage, foreign objects (e.g., pests, metal, plastic), or damage to the packaging (e.g., ripped bags, punctured drums).
​Temperature Control: For temperature-sensitive materials, the temperature of the delivery vehicle and the raw material itself must be checked and recorded upon arrival. The material should be unloaded and moved to its designated storage area as quickly as possible to maintain the proper temperature.
​Segregation: Raw materials must be segregated to prevent cross-contamination. This includes separating different types of materials, allergens, and high-risk ingredients from each other.
​First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO): Implement a robust inventory management system to ensure that older stock is used first. This prevents spoilage and deterioration of raw materials over time.
​4. Personnel Hygiene and Training
​Personal Hygiene: All employees involved in the unloading process must be trained on personal hygiene protocols, including proper handwashing techniques and wearing appropriate clean protective gear. They should be aware of the “no eating, drinking, or smoking” rule in the unloading and storage areas.
​Health and Wellness: Employees with symptoms of illness should not be permitted to handle raw materials to prevent the spread of pathogens.
​Dedicated Changing Facilities: Provide a designated area for employees to change into clean work clothes and footwear before entering the raw material handling area.
​5. Documentation and Traceability
​Traceability System: Implement a system to track each batch of raw material from the supplier to its final use. This is crucial for quick recall and investigation in case of a quality or safety issue.
​Receiving Log: Maintain a detailed log of all incoming raw materials, including the supplier’s name, lot number, date of receipt, and any observations made during the inspection. This documentation serves as a critical part of the overall food safety management system.
​By implementing these comprehensive hygiene measures, a facility can effectively manage the risks associated with raw material unloading, ensuring the safety and integrity of the final product from the very beginning of the production process.

[Muhammad Ahmad]

Very good question

[Muhammad Ahmad]

​Safety during maintenance activities in a feed mill is critical due to the numerous hazards present, including moving machinery, high-voltage electricity, confined spaces, and combustible dust. A comprehensive safety program is essential to protect workers and prevent accidents.

​Here are the most important safety measures taken during maintenance activities in a feed mill:

​1. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures

​This is arguably the most crucial safety measure. LOTO procedures prevent accidental startup of machinery during maintenance. It involves a set of steps to ensure that all energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) are de-energized and locked out before any work begins.

• ​Preparation: The authorized employee identifies the machine, all energy sources, and the appropriate LOTO devices.

• ​Notification: All affected personnel are notified about the shutdown, including its purpose and duration.

• ​Shutdown: The machine is turned off using normal shutdown procedures.

• ​Energy Isolation: Energy-isolating devices (e.g., switches, circuit breakers, valves) are physically located and de-activated.

• ​Lockout/Tagout Application: Each worker performing the maintenance places their own personal lock and tag on the energy-isolating device. The tag clearly states “Do Not Start” or “Do Not Operate.”

• ​Verification: The worker tests the machine’s controls to ensure it cannot be started. This is a critical step to verify a “zero energy state.”

​2. Confined Space Entry

​Feed mills often have confined spaces, such as silos, bins, and pits, that require special safety protocols for entry. These spaces can have a hazardous atmosphere due to dust, lack of oxygen, or toxic gases.

• ​Permit-Required Confined Space: Entry is typically restricted to trained and authorized personnel. A permit system is used to document the conditions of the space, the work to be performed, and the safety measures required.
• ​Atmospheric Monitoring: The air within the confined space is tested for oxygen levels, combustible gases, and toxic fumes before and during entry.
• ​Ventilation: The space is ventilated to remove hazardous gases and ensure a safe, breathable atmosphere.
• ​Attendant: An attendant remains outside the confined space at all times to monitor the worker(s) inside, communicate with them, and initiate a rescue if necessary.
• ​Rescue Plan: A pre-established rescue plan is in place in case of an emergency.

​3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

​Workers must be provided with and trained to use the correct PPE for the specific task and hazards they face.

• ​Head Protection: Hard hats are required in areas with a risk of falling objects.
• ​Eye and Face Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are used to protect against dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
• ​Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs are essential in noisy areas to prevent hearing damage.
• ​Respiratory Protection: Respirators, such as N95 masks or other approved respirators, are vital to protect against inhaling grain dust, which can cause respiratory issues and is also a combustible hazard.
• ​Hand Protection: Gloves are used to protect against cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
• ​Foot Protection: Steel-toed boots are a standard requirement to protect against falling objects and other foot injuries.

​4. Hazard Communication and Training

​All employees, especially maintenance staff, must be aware of the hazards in the facility and how to work safely.

• ​Hazard Identification: All potential hazards, including chemical, physical, and biological, are identified and communicated to employees.
• ​Training: Workers are trained on proper work procedures, the use of LOTO and confined space protocols, and emergency response.

• ​Hot Work Permits: Special permits are required for “hot work” like welding, cutting, or grinding that could create a spark and ignite combustible dust. These permits ensure that the area is clear of dust and other flammable materials.

​5. Dust Control and Housekeeping

​Grain dust is a major safety concern in feed mills because it is highly combustible. Poor housekeeping can lead to dust explosions.

• ​Regular Cleaning: Spilled materials and accumulated dust are regularly cleaned up using appropriate methods, such as vacuuming, to prevent accumulation.
• ​Dust Collection Systems: Dust collection systems are maintained and inspected to ensure they are working effectively.
• ​Electrical Safety: Electrical equipment is regularly inspected and kept clean of dust to prevent fires and explosions.

​By strictly adhering to these safety measures, feed mill operators can create a much safer environment for maintenance workers and significantly reduce the risk of accidents and major incidents.​Safety during maintenance activities in a feed mill is critical due to the numerous hazards present, including moving machinery, high-voltage electricity, confined spaces, and combustible dust. A comprehensive safety program is essential to protect workers and prevent accidents.
​Here are the most important safety measures taken during maintenance activities in a feed mill:
​1. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
​This is arguably the most crucial safety measure. LOTO procedures prevent accidental startup of machinery during maintenance. It involves a set of steps to ensure that all energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) are de-energized and locked out before any work begins.
​Preparation: The authorized employee identifies the machine, all energy sources, and the appropriate LOTO devices.
​Notification: All affected personnel are notified about the shutdown, including its purpose and duration.
​Shutdown: The machine is turned off using normal shutdown procedures.
​Energy Isolation: Energy-isolating devices (e.g., switches, circuit breakers, valves) are physically located and de-activated.
​Lockout/Tagout Application: Each worker performing the maintenance places their own personal lock and tag on the energy-isolating device. The tag clearly states “Do Not Start” or “Do Not Operate.”
​Verification: The worker tests the machine’s controls to ensure it cannot be started. This is a critical step to verify a “zero energy state.”
​2. Confined Space Entry
​Feed mills often have confined spaces, such as silos, bins, and pits, that require special safety protocols for entry. These spaces can have a hazardous atmosphere due to dust, lack of oxygen, or toxic gases.
​Permit-Required Confined Space: Entry is typically restricted to trained and authorized personnel. A permit system is used to document the conditions of the space, the work to be performed, and the safety measures required.
​Atmospheric Monitoring: The air within the confined space is tested for oxygen levels, combustible gases, and toxic fumes before and during entry.
​Ventilation: The space is ventilated to remove hazardous gases and ensure a safe, breathable atmosphere.
​Attendant: An attendant remains outside the confined space at all times to monitor the worker(s) inside, communicate with them, and initiate a rescue if necessary.
​Rescue Plan: A pre-established rescue plan is in place in case of an emergency.
​3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
​Workers must be provided with and trained to use the correct PPE for the specific task and hazards they face.
​Head Protection: Hard hats are required in areas with a risk of falling objects.
​Eye and Face Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are used to protect against dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
​Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs are essential in noisy areas to prevent hearing damage.
​Respiratory Protection: Respirators, such as N95 masks or other approved respirators, are vital to protect against inhaling grain dust, which can cause respiratory issues and is also a combustible hazard.
​Hand Protection: Gloves are used to protect against cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
​Foot Protection: Steel-toed boots are a standard requirement to protect against falling objects and other foot injuries.
​4. Hazard Communication and Training
​All employees, especially maintenance staff, must be aware of the hazards in the facility and how to work safely.
​Hazard Identification: All potential hazards, including chemical, physical, and biological, are identified and communicated to employees.
​Training: Workers are trained on proper work procedures, the use of LOTO and confined space protocols, and emergency response.
​Hot Work Permits: Special permits are required for “hot work” like welding, cutting, or grinding that could create a spark and ignite combustible dust. These permits ensure that the area is clear of dust and other flammable materials.
​5. Dust Control and Housekeeping
​Grain dust is a major safety concern in feed mills because it is highly combustible. Poor housekeeping can lead to dust explosions.
​Regular Cleaning: Spilled materials and accumulated dust are regularly cleaned up using appropriate methods, such as vacuuming, to prevent accumulation.
​Dust Collection Systems: Dust collection systems are maintained and inspected to ensure they are working effectively.
​Electrical Safety: Electrical equipment is regularly inspected and kept clean of dust to prevent fires and explosions.
​By strictly adhering to these safety measures, feed mill operators can create a much safer environment for maintenance workers and significantly reduce the risk of accidents and major incidents.

[Muhammad Ahmad]

Yes

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

Sourcing ingredients locally minimizes the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

What safety measures taken during maintenance activities in feed mill ?

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

How to manage the hygiene during raw material unloading?

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

Mycotoxins, bacteria and Heavy Metals.

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

How to remove husks from soybeans?

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

44-51%

[Muhammad Ahmad]

Focus on temperature humidity and feed and water consumption

[Muhammad Ahmad]

Yes but I think we should not go for prophylactic antibiotics.as we in the Era of Antimicrobial resistance.

[Muhammad Ahmad]

Thank you