Stability of Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate in the Presence of Pellet Binding Agents in Poultry Feed

Abstract

A study was conducted with broiler feed medicated with bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) to determine if the addition of lignin sulfonate pellet-binding agents affects the assay of active concentration of BMD in pelleted feed. This study also examined the stability of BMD in the presence of these pellet-binding agents in pelleted feed over extended storage. Diets were mixed that contained 27.5 mg/kg of BMD. Diet 1 did not contain a pellet binder. Diet 2 contained 1.25% Ameri-Bond 2x, and Diet 3 contained 0.6% Pel-Stik. Mash and pelleted samples of each diet were assayed for loss on drying (LOD) and BMD level during week 0. Pelleted samples were stored at ambient temperature (25 ^oC) and ambient humidity, or elevated temperature (37 ^oC) and ambient humidity. Samples stored at 25 ^oC were assayed during weeks 2, 4, 7, 10, and 13, and those stored at 37 ^oC were assayed during weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 for LOD and BMD levels. Assay results from week 0 in both mash and pelleted feeds demonstrated the non-interference of the pellet binders with the assay of BMD. The BMD assay results of feeds stored at 25 and 37 ^oC demonstrated that these pellet binders do not affect the stability of BMD in feed.