D.H. Machin
Dr David Machin is an independent consultant in feed resources and livestock production, based in the United Kingdom.
The safe use of plant and animal by-products is an important means of disposing of materials that could otherwise be potential health and environmental risks and, at the same time, obtaining value from their use. This article considers the different approaches that countries take to feed safety as well as the main issues associated with the safe use of some of the most significant animal and plant by-products. In particular, the article concentrates on the implications of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) on animal carcass waste and swill processing, as well as on poultry waste use. The main problems associated with the use of plant by-products, including aflatoxins, antinutritional factors, toxic amino acids and alkaloids, are discussed and approaches to detoxification described. The conclusion is that all countries need to establish strong, scientifically based regulatory means of controlling and monitoring the use and processing of these by-products, in order to minimize potential breakdowns in animal and human health.
Degree of intensification of the animal industries
Wealth and its distribution within the country
Public awareness of food issues
Degree of regulation of the animal production and animal feed industries
Per capita consumption of animal products