[Estimation and valuation of the hygienic quality of fodder for swine].

The feeding value of feedstuffs does not only depend on the nutrient contents but also on the hygienic quality of the ration. The hygienic state of feedstuffs can be characterized by observations in the sensorial examination, by dry matter contents, by the species and number of germs, by toxin contents and by the quantity of destructive insects. Lacks of hygienic quality generally produce non-specific symptoms in animals with few exceptions only (for example: zearalenone----hyperoestrogenic effects), or they just lead to a reduced performance. The veterinarian practitioner can get first and essential informations concerning the hygienic state of feedstuffs by critical sensorial examination of the feedstuffs. If there are doubts, feed samples should be sent to a specialized institute for further investigations. Actually observed lacks of hygienic quality of feedstuffs for pigs are demonstrated and discussed. It is the aim of this contribution to focus the practitioners attention on lacks of hygienic quality of feedstuffs and their potential consequences for health and performance of pigs.