Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the durability of pelleted animal feeds, reducing the production of fines from pelleted feeds and for reducing losses during handling after manufacture of pelleted animal feeds that commonly contain a mix of processed grains and optionally fats (both animal and vegetable), proteins (both animal and vegetable) and minerals by the addition of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfite, bisulfite, metabisulfite, sulfate or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for preserving animal feed, including pet food, by controlling mold and yeast growth during the storage of such feed is disclosed, wherein the feed comprises processed grains, and optionally molasses, by adding to the processed grain or to the total feed mix, an amount of an alkali metal sulfite, bisulfite, metabisulfite or mixtures thereof sufficient to arrest the destructive effects of oxidation, mainly mold growth, which occurs during the storage of such animal feed. The alkali metal sulfite, bisulfite or metabisulfite is preferably added to the animal feed, together with an inorganic sulfate.

Abstract: A method for preserving and controlling the fermentation of silages and high moisture content grains, for example, high moisture content corn and corn silage, by adding to the silage or grain an amount of an alkali metal sulfite, bisulfite, metabisulfite or mixtures thereof sufficient to rapidly create a substantially anaerobic atmosphere in the silage, but insufficient of itself to provide a substantial bactericidal effect in the silage or grain. The alkali metal sulfite, bisulfite or metabisulfite is preferably added to the silage, together with an alkali metal sulfate and an amylolytic enzyme, preferably malt diastase or any of the following: alpha amylase, beta amylase or amylase from aspergillus oryzae.