Factors affecting vitamin stability in animal feed. ๐๐
▪️ Forage species
Grasses have the lowest level of แตฆ-carotene.
while legumes have the highest level.
▪️ Stage of maturity
The levels of แตฆ-carotene and ๐ผ-tocopherol in the grasses and legumes are very high in the young stages and reduce as the plant matures.
▪️ Climatic conditions
a forage is richer in แตฆ-carotene and ๐ผ-tocopherol is in conditions with a low temperature.
▪️ Haymaking
Drying crops either on the ground or in barns reduces the vitamin levels.
▪️ Ensiling
Stability of some vitamins such as vitamin A may be adversely affected if mouldy or spoiled silages are fed for long periods.
▪️ Composition of the premix
The type of trace mineral can have a significant effect on vitamin stability.
▪️ Pelleting
Pelleting is typically the most aggressive process against vitamins due to exposure to heat.
▪️ Storage
Premixes containing vitamins can be stored for about 3 to 4 months.
