DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2707-1146/56/8-11
Anakhanim Yusifova
Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
Doctor of Biological Sciences
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-58-17-3671
shahla.biolog@bk.ru
Shahla Abdullayeva
Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
PhD in Biology
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4869-1835
shahla-nasimi@mail.ru
Mycological Safety Principles in the Use of Feed Crops: Risk
Assessment and Prevention
Abstract
Feed crops play a vital role in animal nutrition, providing essential nutrients to livestock. However, the safety of these crops is of paramount importance to ensure the health of both the animals and the humans who consume animal-derived products. Mycological safety, which addresses the potential contamination feed crops by harmful fungi, is a critical aspect of feed crop management. This article discusses the principles of mycological safety in feed crop production, focusing on risk assessment and prevention strategies to minimize fungal contamination and the presence of mycotoxins in animal feed. The contamination of feed crops by toxigenic fungi poses a significant threat to animal health, food safety, and agricultural productivity. This paper explores the principles of mycological safety with a focus on the identification, risk assessment, and prevention of fungal contamination in feed crops. Key mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, and trichothecenes are examined, highlighting their prevalence, toxicological impacts, and regulatory limits. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated risk assessment frameworks that include environmental monitoring, crop management, and post-harvest handling. Preventive strategies such as crop rotation, biological control, timely harvesting, and proper storage conditions are evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing fungal growth and mycotoxin production. By establishing robust mycological safety protocols, stakeholders can enhance feed quality and protect both livestock and human health in the food production chain.
Keywords: mycological safety, feed crops, fungal contamination, mycotoxins, risk assessment, prevention strategies, fungal pathogens