Maduramicin ammonium, a well - known coccidiostat, has been widely used in the animal husbandry industry. As a supplier of Maduramicin ammonium, I've witnessed its significant role in preventing coccidiosis in poultry and other livestock. However, an important aspect that often gets overlooked is how Maduramicin ammonium affects the storage stability of animal products. This blog aims to explore this topic in detail.
Understanding Maduramicin Ammonium
Maduramicin ammonium belongs to the polyether ionophore class of antibiotics. It works by disrupting the ion balance in the cells of coccidia parasites, ultimately leading to their death. This makes it an effective tool in controlling coccidiosis, a common and potentially devastating disease in animals, especially in chickens and turkeys.
When animals are administered Maduramicin ammonium, it is absorbed into their bodies and distributed through various tissues and organs. The residues of Maduramicin ammonium can then be present in the animal products such as meat, eggs, and milk. These residues can have implications for the storage stability of these products.
Impact on the Chemical Composition of Animal Products
One of the primary ways Maduramicin ammonium affects the storage stability of animal products is through its influence on the chemical composition. For instance, in meat products, Maduramicin ammonium residues may interact with the proteins and lipids present. Proteins are essential for the structure and texture of meat. The presence of Maduramicin ammonium can cause protein denaturation over time. Protein denaturation changes the three - dimensional structure of proteins, which can lead to a loss of water - holding capacity in meat. As a result, the meat may become drier during storage, reducing its overall quality and shelf - life.
Lipids in animal products are also vulnerable. Maduramicin ammonium can act as a pro - oxidant in some cases. Oxidation of lipids leads to the formation of peroxides and other secondary oxidation products. These products not only cause off - flavors and odors in the animal products but also reduce their nutritional value. For example, in eggs, lipid oxidation can make the yolk less firm and can also affect the overall taste of the egg, making it less appealing to consumers.
Microbiological Changes
Another important factor in the storage stability of animal products is the microbiological environment. Maduramicin ammonium has some antibacterial properties, which can initially inhibit the growth of certain bacteria in animal products. However, long - term exposure or the presence of high - level residues can lead to the development of resistant bacteria.
In milk, for example, the normal microflora plays a crucial role in maintaining its quality during storage. The presence of Maduramicin ammonium residues may disrupt this balance. Some beneficial bacteria may be inhibited, while resistant bacteria may start to multiply. This can lead to spoilage of milk more quickly, with changes in taste, odor, and texture.
In meat products, the development of resistant bacteria can also pose a risk to human health if the meat is not properly cooked. These bacteria may survive the cooking process and cause food - borne illnesses.
Interaction with Packaging Materials
Maduramicin ammonium residues in animal products can also interact with packaging materials. Some packaging materials are designed to protect the product from external factors such as oxygen, moisture, and light. However, the residues of Maduramicin ammonium may react with the packaging materials over time.
For example, in plastic packaging, Maduramicin ammonium may cause the plastic to degrade or release certain chemicals. This can not only affect the integrity of the packaging but also contaminate the animal product. If the packaging fails to provide an effective barrier, the animal product will be more exposed to environmental factors, accelerating its spoilage.
Comparison with Other Coccidiostats
It is interesting to compare the effects of Maduramicin ammonium with other coccidiostats such as Quinocetone, Nicarbazine, and Decoquinate. Quinocetone is a synthetic antibacterial and coccidiostatic agent. It has a different mode of action compared to Maduramicin ammonium. Quinocetone mainly affects the nucleic acid metabolism of coccidia. In terms of storage stability of animal products, Quinocetone residues may have less impact on protein and lipid oxidation compared to Maduramicin ammonium.
Nicarbazine is another commonly used coccidiostat. It works by interfering with the energy metabolism of coccidia. Nicarbazine residues in animal products may cause some color changes, especially in eggs, but its influence on the overall storage stability in terms of microbiological and chemical changes may be different from Maduramicin ammonium.


Decoquinate is a quinoline - based coccidiostat. It has a relatively mild effect on the animal's body and may have less impact on the storage stability of animal products compared to Maduramicin ammonium. However, more research is needed to fully understand the differences in their effects on the storage of animal products.
Mitigating the Effects
As a supplier of Maduramicin ammonium, I understand the importance of ensuring the quality and storage stability of animal products. To mitigate the negative effects of Maduramicin ammonium on the storage stability of animal products, several measures can be taken.
First, strict withdrawal periods should be followed. A withdrawal period is the time between the last administration of the drug to the animal and the time when the animal products can be safely used for human consumption. By adhering to the appropriate withdrawal periods, the levels of Maduramicin ammonium residues in animal products can be reduced to a minimum.
Second, proper storage conditions should be maintained. For example, meat products should be stored at low temperatures to slow down the chemical and microbiological changes. Eggs should be stored in a cool and dry place. Milk should be refrigerated immediately after collection.
Third, the use of antioxidants and other additives can help. Antioxidants can prevent lipid oxidation in animal products. Some natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and plant extracts can be added to animal feed or directly to the animal products during processing to improve their storage stability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maduramicin ammonium, while being an effective coccidiostat, can have significant effects on the storage stability of animal products. Its influence on the chemical composition, microbiological environment, and interaction with packaging materials can all lead to a reduction in the quality and shelf - life of animal products. However, by following strict withdrawal periods, maintaining proper storage conditions, and using appropriate additives, these negative effects can be mitigated.
As a supplier, I am committed to providing high - quality Maduramicin ammonium products and also to promoting its proper use in the animal husbandry industry. If you are interested in purchasing Maduramicin ammonium for your animal farming needs, I encourage you to contact me for further discussions on product specifications, dosage, and best practices. We can work together to ensure the health of your animals and the quality of the animal products.
References
- Chapman, H. D. (1997). Ionophore antibiotics. Parasitology Today, 13(10), 389 - 393.
- Liu, X., & Wang, Y. (2015). Effects of coccidiostats on the quality of animal products. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 6(1), 1 - 10.
- Smith, J. E., & Dawson, K. A. (2007). Lipid oxidation in muscle foods: A review. Meat Science, 77(1), 119 - 136.




