Assessment of the microbiological quality of feed using the Verbands Deutscher Landwirdschaftlicher Untersuchungs und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) method

Introduction. The Verbands Deutscher Landwirdschaftlicher Untersuchungs und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) is an association of German agronomic, analytical and scientific institutes dealing with various types of research in the field of agronomy and the development, adaptation and validation of analytical methods. This association has established an approach for determining the microbiological quality of feed based on the contents of molds, yeasts and bacteria by taking into account not only their total numbers (cfu/g), but also their potential pathogenicity. According to the degree of the potential pathogenicity, microorganisms are divided into seven groups. Based on the number of microorganisms in the seven groups, feed and feedingstuffs are classified into four categories according to microbiological quality. Materials and Methods. This method for categorization of feed is described in Methods Book III. Detailed instruction is given within the four Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Results and Conclusions. The VDLUFA method of assessing animal feed and feedingstuffs is a far more detailed approach that gives a more complete picture of the actual microbiological status of feed than the approach currently used in Serbia. Feed placed on the market to be used in animal nutrition should meet the criteria for classification into classes I to III, in accordance with the parameters laid down in the method. Animal feed that belongs to class IV is not suitable for animal feeding. This method could be a useful guideline in the modernization of hygienic standards for feed in Serbia in the future.