Testing
ODA regularly samples animal feed to ensure the nutritional
content guaranteed on the label is in the feed. Testing ensures that
medications included are allowed by law and that they are used and labeled
properly.
Do you need your own hay, grain, or soil tested? Contact
your county extension agent to find a lab.
Selenium
The code of federal regulations specifies how much selenium
may be added to feed. Veterinarians are not allowed to exceed these amounts in
feed, even with a prescription.
ODA recommends manufacturers occasionally check selenium
levels in feeds for species sensitive to selenium as well as updating
formulation system ingredient mineral values as needed. The actual selenium
level should be within 25% of the tag guarantee.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease)
To prevent the establishment and amplification of BSE
through feed in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
prohibits the use of most mammalian protein in feeds for ruminant animals.
Anyone who either sells mixed animal feeds or ingredients or buys feed that may
be fed to cattle, sheep, or other ruminants has obligations under FDA rule.
Resources
AAFCO: The Association of American Feed Control Officials
Voluntary membership association of local, state and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies. The Association publishes an Official Publication that lists all the common feed ingredient definitions for use in animal feed. Association of American Feed Control Officials website
Foreseeable Hazards in Animal Feed (2019)
Summary of the national and local (Oregon) knowledge of some of the hazards associated with animal feed. Common feed hazards information
Nutrient "cheat sheet"
Nutrient guarantees required by animal species under the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Model Bill and Regulations. Nutrient guarantees required by AAFCO
Violation summaries
Selenium
BSE