Salmonella is a major microbial hazard in animal feed. The feed manufacturer is responsible for producing a salmonella-free feed, and feed ingredients follow a surveillance to assess their Salmonella status, in order to take corrective actions when positive samples are detected.

Salmonella positive findings in feed materials are usually treated with organic acids. After treatment, the feed material must be tested negative for Salmonella before being used in the feed production.

Cimenol ring is a natural compound of plant origin which acts synergistically with citric acid, providing a wide spectrum and selective microbicidal activity. This combination aims to have a fast and long-lasting fungicidal and bactericidal effect when mixed with feed and feed ingredients.

Introduction

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the Cimenol ring against Salmonella in Meat and Bone Meal (MBM), compared to products based on organic acids. In the first trial, MBM was contaminated before the addition of the preservatives, while, in the second trial, the preservatives were added before contaminating the substratum.

TRIAL 1: Salmonella contamination before treatment

A.1. PROCEDURE

Three samples of MBM (1 kg each) were contaminated with Salmonella infantis and incubated for 6 hours. The samples did not comply with Salmonella sp. specifications (absence in 25 g). Two different treatments at two different dosages were applied to the contaminated samples and Salmonella counting was performed after 24 hours.

• Cimenol ring at 6 L/t
• Cimenol ring at 8 L/t
• Organic acids at 6 L/t
• Organic acids at 8 L/t

A.2. RESULTS

Cimenol ring allowed the samples to comply with the regulation (absence in 25 g) 24 hours after its application at the two different dosages, while organic acids at 6 L/t where not able to completely eliminate Salmonella from the samples.

TRIAL 2: Salmonella contamination after treatment

B.1. PROCEDURE

Three samples of MBM (1 kg each) were treated with two different feed preservatives (cimenol ring and organic acids) at two different dosages, following the same scheme as in the trial 1. The treated feed samples were incubated for 24 hours. Then, they were contaminated with Salmonella infantis and incubated again for 7 days. After one week incubation, Salmonella analysis was performed.

B.2. RESULTS

Cimenol ring, at the two dosages applied, allowed the samples to comply with the regulation (absence in 25 g) 7 days after being contaminated with Salmonella, while organic acids at 6 L/t where not able to completely eliminate Salmonella from the samples.

Conclusions

Cimenol ring is an effective solution against Salmonella infantis, and can be applied in feed ingredients, like meat bone meal (MBM), to eliminate Salmonella and comply with the regulations (absence in 25 g).

In addition, it is demonstrated to be more effective than organic acid-based products.

Besides, the cimenol ring is a natural plant-based compound with demonstrated long-term effectivity and broad spectrum of action at low dosage, which is safe for the beneficial flora, workers and machinery and has no restrictions in local regulations.

Cimenol ring is marketed by Biovet S.A. under the name “Alquermold Natural”