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Mycotoxins in Feed and Component SamplesBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 20, 2011
Despite careful management practices in growing, harvesting, and storing grains, mycotoxins can be found at some level in four out of five samples of feed and feed components, according to a 2010 survey conducted by Biomin.
Mycotoxins are harmful substances produced by molds that contaminate grain. Of particular interest to the feed industry are aflatoxin, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin, and ochratoxin A. Animals that ingest contaminated grain or grain products can develop problems ranging from slowed growth to severe health impacts including death.
Various regions of the world have different levels of particular mycotoxins. In northern Asia, the most prevalent are zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisin. Aflatoxin was found most commonly in southeast Asia. In the area of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, aflatoxin and ochratoxin A were found in 88% and 71%, respectively, of tested samples. Australia and New Zealand showed generally lower levels of mycotoxins than neighboring countries.
High levels of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (87% of samples) have been found in North America, while fumonisins were the most prevalent mycotoxins in South American samples. Grains from northern Europe are most likely to be contaminated by deoxynivalenol, while aflatoxins are more commonly found in samples from southern Europe.
Corn and its byproducts were the most frequently tested commodities. Up to 75% of samples showed fumonisin contamination, and almost as many were found to be positive for deoxynivalenol.
