Weather patterns during the European summer have put the feed and livestock sectors on high alert for mycotoxins, according to Radka Borutova, DVM, PhD, business development manager with Nutriad. Aflatoxins are potent mycotoxins that reduce development, impair the immune system, and can cause cancer and death, she said.
“The heat wave in Europe in late June and early July of 2015 broke monthly and even a few all-time records. Hot and dry weather is associated with increased aflatoxin and fumonisin production by the fungi from Aspergillus and Fusarium species,” Borutova said in a press release, leading Nutriad to carry out a Mycotoxin Survey covering 60 locally produced maize samples from across Spain.
More than 400 analyses were conducted to test for the occurrence of the 7 mycotoxins most frequently found in agricultural commodities that are intended for animal feed production. The survey provided an insight into the incidence of aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisins B2 (FB2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) across all regions of Spain.
The results from the survey showed that 55 percent of the maize samples were contaminated with DON and 11 percent with AflaB1. Only 1.6 percent of the samples contained T-2 toxin.
The majority of wheat samples were contaminated with FB1 (90 percent) and FB2 (80 percent). Most of the analyzed mycotoxins were in concentrations regarded as medium, which means they were detectable but below EU recommended maximum levels. The highest concentrations of DON and FB1 were 6,500μg/kg and 11,500μg/kg, respectively.
Interestingly, 31.6 percent of the samples contained ZEN, a mycotoxin that adversely affects reproductive performance in breeding animals. Its maximum concentration measured was 990μg/kg, a significant level. As expected, only a few samples were contaminated with OTA, a mycotoxin that tends to develop during storage. One sample of maize exceeded the maximum EU permitted concentration of AflaB1 (20.2μg/kg).
“The maize mycotoxin survey conducted by Nutriad this year concluded that 2015 harvest of maize in Spain is of concerning quality,” according to Borutova.
Based on the results of this survey conducted immediately post-harvest, it appears that the 2015 maize crop in Spain is better than others have found in the U.S. but it is unsafe for inclusion in finished feed rations for all animal species.
Borutova says it is likely that this dramatic mycotoxin situation in Europe will continue into 2016. While the level of mycotoxin contamination may remain at the medium risk level, quality could deteriorate. Corn – the most important feed ingredient – will likely be contaminated with the mixture of DON, Afla and fumonisins. Higher incidence of Afla in 2015-16 will present a challenge mainly for dairy producers and production of aflatoxin M1-free milk. Fumonisins are highly toxic to swine and horses.
The last possible line of defense is the detoxification of mycotoxins in vivo. The addition of proven mycotoxin deactivators to animal feeds is a common method to prevent mycotoxicosis and is an effective strategy to keep the mycotoxin risk as low as possible. Borutova recommends the application of an effective mycotoxin deactivator to minimize the risks of adverse effects on animal health, performance, productivity and profit caused by mycotoxins.
In contrast to the results from Spain, the 2015 Nutriad Mycotoxin survey concluded that this year’s harvest of wheat in the U.K. and Ireland is very good quality in terms of mycotoxin contamination, and so can be considered safe for inclusion in finished feed for all farm animal species.
Showing posts with label Mycotoxins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mycotoxins. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Mycotoxins in corn silage threaten ruminant performance
Corn and corn silage samples from the 2015 harvest revealed moderate to high levels of multiple types of mycotoxins, reported Dr. Max Hawkins during Alltech’s 2015 North American Harvest Analysis webinar, held on November 30. The ruminant-specific report aimed to assess the risks posed by these toxins found in feedstuffs and cattle feed.
This year, the company analyzed 116 samples from 17 states/provinces, submitted between September 1 and the last week of November.
The 2015 analysis revealed an average of 5.62 mycotoxins per sample – slightly less than the 2014 average of 6.13. However, even at lower levels, new combinations of mycotoxins can have serious effects on cattle health and performance.
“It might be a little less, but it’s a different group of toxins this year and that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a feedstuff with less risk involved with it,” said Hawkins, who is a nutritionist with Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management Team.
He warns that multiple mycotoxins work synergistically, so it’s important to have an understanding of different levels of each toxin within the feed.
The groups of mycotoxins of particular concern to ruminants this year come from the soil-born molds Fusarium, Pencillium and Aspergillus.
In ruminants, these mycotoxins pose a threat to dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, weight gain, rumen function, gut health and immune response.
Hawkins highlighted the mycotoxin groups present in the 2015 harvest samples and their prevalence:
Developing animals are particularly susceptible to the effects of multiple mycotoxins. According to Hawkins, REQ for calves ranked at 87 percent in the high risk category due to the potential long-term effects of mycotoxin exposure.
“Once you begin feeding forages to young calves - particularly on replacement heifers – you run the risk of impacting growth, performance and sexual development; lactation; and subsequent lifetime performance,” he explained. “Many times people think of calves as very young animals, but really on the dairy side, calves can go up until the heifer is bred. In beef cattle, receiving at the feed lot … so really we’re talking about all immature cattle.”
Depending on the inclusion of corn silage in a ration, risk can be reduced, but will likely still walk the line between moderate and high REQ levels.
The 2015 North American Harvest Analysis was conducted at Alltech’s ISO/IEC accredited Analytical Services Laboratory in Winchester, Kentucky.
This year, the company analyzed 116 samples from 17 states/provinces, submitted between September 1 and the last week of November.
The 2015 analysis revealed an average of 5.62 mycotoxins per sample – slightly less than the 2014 average of 6.13. However, even at lower levels, new combinations of mycotoxins can have serious effects on cattle health and performance.
“It might be a little less, but it’s a different group of toxins this year and that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a feedstuff with less risk involved with it,” said Hawkins, who is a nutritionist with Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management Team.
He warns that multiple mycotoxins work synergistically, so it’s important to have an understanding of different levels of each toxin within the feed.
Effects of multiple mycotoxins
Produced by various mold species, there are more than 400 known mycotoxins that produce toxic side effects.The groups of mycotoxins of particular concern to ruminants this year come from the soil-born molds Fusarium, Pencillium and Aspergillus.
In ruminants, these mycotoxins pose a threat to dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, weight gain, rumen function, gut health and immune response.
Hawkins highlighted the mycotoxin groups present in the 2015 harvest samples and their prevalence:
- B Trichothecenes (DONs) = +90 percent
- Fusaric Acid = +90 percent
- A Trichothecenes (T2) = higher levels than 2014, high levels of DOS
- Fumonsins = 60 percent
- Pencillium toxins = more than 40 percent (higher than 2014), may increase while in storage
REQ distribution among samples
Based on Alltech’s Risk Equivalent Quantity (REQ), an estimate of all mycotoxins and their risk contained within a feed or feedstuff, 85 percent of samples were of moderate to high risk for dairy cattle; 84 percent moderate to high risk for beef cattle; and 95 percent moderate to high risk for calves.Developing animals are particularly susceptible to the effects of multiple mycotoxins. According to Hawkins, REQ for calves ranked at 87 percent in the high risk category due to the potential long-term effects of mycotoxin exposure.
“Once you begin feeding forages to young calves - particularly on replacement heifers – you run the risk of impacting growth, performance and sexual development; lactation; and subsequent lifetime performance,” he explained. “Many times people think of calves as very young animals, but really on the dairy side, calves can go up until the heifer is bred. In beef cattle, receiving at the feed lot … so really we’re talking about all immature cattle.”
Depending on the inclusion of corn silage in a ration, risk can be reduced, but will likely still walk the line between moderate and high REQ levels.
The 2015 North American Harvest Analysis was conducted at Alltech’s ISO/IEC accredited Analytical Services Laboratory in Winchester, Kentucky.
Monday, December 7, 2015
US corn mycotoxins show low risk to swine, poultry
Although Alltech’s mycotoxin outlook for 2015 corn crop showed mostly low risk to swine and poultry, mycotoxins can affect animal performance and health even at lower levels, said Alexandra Weaver, Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management technical support during the 2015 North American Harvest Analysis webinar on November 30.
“It’s much better to be proactive rather than reactive,” Weaver said, stressing that, because mycotoxins can have a negative effect on profitability, mycotoxin management is important from field to animal to reduce risks.
Alltech’s 37+ analytical laboratory analyzed 100 samples of corn from 11 U.S. states to measure total mycotoxin content. The analysis found an average of 3.1 mycotoxins per sample, with the majority having 2-5 mycotoxins – lower than last year’s results. Seventy percent of the samples had fumonisins (FUM).
In the Midwest, a mix of deoxynivalenol (DON), FUM and fusaric acid were found, but the greatest levels of mycotoxins from South Dakota and Minnesota. On the East Coast, samples showed a mix of DON, FUM, zearalenone (ZEA) and fusaric acid, with the greatest levels of mycotoxins found in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Quebec.
FUM was found in 80 percent of corn sampled from the Carolinas but, in the Midwest, there was a more even distribution of the types of mycotoxins found. The highest levels of FUM were found in South Dakota, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The highest levels of DON were found in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Quebec, Canada. The highest levels of ZEA were found in Pennsylvania and Quebec.
For broilers, it can mean a loss of 3 grams per day per bird, a gain of 4.7 percent in feed conversion ratio per bird, a profit loss of 21 cents per bird, and 2.5 extra days to reach desired market weight.
For layers, it can mean 3.8 fewer eggs per hen over 62 weeks, a loss of .2 grams in egg weight, and loss of profit of 42 cents per hen.
For piglets, it can mean a loss of 6.8 grams of average daily gain per piglet per day, a gain of .5 percent in feed conversion ratio per piglet, a loss of $6.42 per pig in margin over feed, and one extra day to reach desired market weight.
For grow/finish pigs, it can mean a loss of 24 grams of average daily gain per pig per day, a gain of 14 percent in feed conversion ratio, a loss of $3.09 carcass profit per pig, and four extra days to reach desired market weight.
Over a large flock or herd, these losses can add up quickly for producers.
“It’s much better to be proactive rather than reactive,” Weaver said, stressing that, because mycotoxins can have a negative effect on profitability, mycotoxin management is important from field to animal to reduce risks.
Alltech’s 37+ analytical laboratory analyzed 100 samples of corn from 11 U.S. states to measure total mycotoxin content. The analysis found an average of 3.1 mycotoxins per sample, with the majority having 2-5 mycotoxins – lower than last year’s results. Seventy percent of the samples had fumonisins (FUM).
In the Midwest, a mix of deoxynivalenol (DON), FUM and fusaric acid were found, but the greatest levels of mycotoxins from South Dakota and Minnesota. On the East Coast, samples showed a mix of DON, FUM, zearalenone (ZEA) and fusaric acid, with the greatest levels of mycotoxins found in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Quebec.
FUM was found in 80 percent of corn sampled from the Carolinas but, in the Midwest, there was a more even distribution of the types of mycotoxins found. The highest levels of FUM were found in South Dakota, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The highest levels of DON were found in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Quebec, Canada. The highest levels of ZEA were found in Pennsylvania and Quebec.
Cost to producers
Weaver explained what the presence of mycotoxins, even at low levels, can cost pig and poultry producers.For broilers, it can mean a loss of 3 grams per day per bird, a gain of 4.7 percent in feed conversion ratio per bird, a profit loss of 21 cents per bird, and 2.5 extra days to reach desired market weight.
For layers, it can mean 3.8 fewer eggs per hen over 62 weeks, a loss of .2 grams in egg weight, and loss of profit of 42 cents per hen.
For piglets, it can mean a loss of 6.8 grams of average daily gain per piglet per day, a gain of .5 percent in feed conversion ratio per piglet, a loss of $6.42 per pig in margin over feed, and one extra day to reach desired market weight.
For grow/finish pigs, it can mean a loss of 24 grams of average daily gain per pig per day, a gain of 14 percent in feed conversion ratio, a loss of $3.09 carcass profit per pig, and four extra days to reach desired market weight.
Over a large flock or herd, these losses can add up quickly for producers.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Nutriad: UK, Ireland wheat safe for inclusion in feed
The 2015 Nutriad Mycotoxin Survey concludes that this year’s harvest of wheat in the U.K. and Ireland is of very good quality in terms of mycotoxin contamination. Based on the results of this survey conducted immediately post-harvest, this year’s wheat crop may be considered safe for inclusion into finished feed rations for all animal species.
The 2015 Nutriad Mycotoxin Survey covers 66 samples of wheat from all over Great Britain and Ireland. More than 460 analyses were conducted to test for the occurrence of the seven mycotoxins most frequently found in agricultural commodities intended for animal production.
The survey provides an insight into the incidences of aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) across all regions of the U.K. and Ireland. All analyzed samples were wheat.
Typically, levels of DON and zearalenone tend to be lower in northern England and Scotland, moderate in western England, Wales and Ireland and highest in southern and south-eastern England. All samples were collected almost immediately after the harvest and the probability that some storage mycotoxins will have developed (OTA) was low. Wheat samples were sampled directly from farms or animal feed production sites.
Sample providers were advised to follow the principles of good sampling. However, analytical personnel and/or laboratory staff were not involved in sampling and, therefore, did not influence any part of this procedure. All seven mycotoxins were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). For the purpose of data analysis, non-detection levels were based on the limits of quantification (LOQ) of the test method for each mycotoxin: AfB1 < 0.5 μg/kg; ZEN < 10 μg/kg; DON < 75 μg/kg; FB1 < 125 μg/kg; OTA < 1 μg/kg; T-2 toxin < 4 μg/kg and HT-2 toxin < 4 μg/kg.
The results show that only 4.5 percent of wheat samples were contaminated with DON and none of the samples contained AfB1. Only 3.03 percent of samples contained T-2 toxin and ZEN. The average concentrations of all recovered mycotoxins were low while the highest concentration of DON found reached only 107.14 μg/kg. Although 12.12 percent of the samples contained HT-2 toxin, a mycotoxin extremely toxic for poultry, its maximum concentration reached only 24.7 μg/kg and this level is negligible. None of the samples were contaminated with OTA or FB1, but this result was expected as it is well known that OTA is a typical storage mycotoxin and FB1 is preferably produced on maize.
Vigilance is always advisable, as cereals in animal feeds originate from many sources, and some continental European cereals harvested in 2015 have been shown to be contaminated with medium concentrations of mycotoxins. The last possible line of defense is the detoxification of mycotoxins in vivo. The addition of proven mycotoxin deactivators to animal feeds is a very common method to prevent mycotoxicosis and is an effective strategy to keep mycotoxin risk low under any and all conditions.
The 2015 Nutriad Mycotoxin Survey covers 66 samples of wheat from all over Great Britain and Ireland. More than 460 analyses were conducted to test for the occurrence of the seven mycotoxins most frequently found in agricultural commodities intended for animal production.
The survey provides an insight into the incidences of aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) across all regions of the U.K. and Ireland. All analyzed samples were wheat.
Typically, levels of DON and zearalenone tend to be lower in northern England and Scotland, moderate in western England, Wales and Ireland and highest in southern and south-eastern England. All samples were collected almost immediately after the harvest and the probability that some storage mycotoxins will have developed (OTA) was low. Wheat samples were sampled directly from farms or animal feed production sites.
Sample providers were advised to follow the principles of good sampling. However, analytical personnel and/or laboratory staff were not involved in sampling and, therefore, did not influence any part of this procedure. All seven mycotoxins were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). For the purpose of data analysis, non-detection levels were based on the limits of quantification (LOQ) of the test method for each mycotoxin: AfB1 < 0.5 μg/kg; ZEN < 10 μg/kg; DON < 75 μg/kg; FB1 < 125 μg/kg; OTA < 1 μg/kg; T-2 toxin < 4 μg/kg and HT-2 toxin < 4 μg/kg.
The results show that only 4.5 percent of wheat samples were contaminated with DON and none of the samples contained AfB1. Only 3.03 percent of samples contained T-2 toxin and ZEN. The average concentrations of all recovered mycotoxins were low while the highest concentration of DON found reached only 107.14 μg/kg. Although 12.12 percent of the samples contained HT-2 toxin, a mycotoxin extremely toxic for poultry, its maximum concentration reached only 24.7 μg/kg and this level is negligible. None of the samples were contaminated with OTA or FB1, but this result was expected as it is well known that OTA is a typical storage mycotoxin and FB1 is preferably produced on maize.
Vigilance is always advisable, as cereals in animal feeds originate from many sources, and some continental European cereals harvested in 2015 have been shown to be contaminated with medium concentrations of mycotoxins. The last possible line of defense is the detoxification of mycotoxins in vivo. The addition of proven mycotoxin deactivators to animal feeds is a very common method to prevent mycotoxicosis and is an effective strategy to keep mycotoxin risk low under any and all conditions.
Monday, November 30, 2015
New mycotoxin confirmed in US corn crop
A mycotoxin not previously seen in the U.S. corn crop this year was confirmed in corn in one state in the past week, according to Neogen’s Mycotoxin Report from November 23.
Zearalenone was confirmed in corn in North Carolina at more than 250 parts per billion.
Other mycotoxins that have been reported in the U.S. corn crop this year are:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 96 percent of the corn crop has been harvested. That is well ahead of the 88 percent at this time one year ago, and two points ahead of the five-year average.
Colorado is 8 points behind the five-year average for harvest completion at this time.
Zearalenone was confirmed in corn in North Carolina at more than 250 parts per billion.
Other mycotoxins that have been reported in the U.S. corn crop this year are:
Fumonisin
- Texas
- North Carolina
- California
- Kansas
Deoxynivalenol
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Indiana
- Ohio
- New York
- Wisconsin
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Michigan
- Minnesota
Aflatoxin
- Georgia
- Texas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Tennessee
- Alabama
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 96 percent of the corn crop has been harvested. That is well ahead of the 88 percent at this time one year ago, and two points ahead of the five-year average.
Colorado is 8 points behind the five-year average for harvest completion at this time.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Kansas added to states reporting fumonisin in corn
One new U.S. state was added to the list of states reporting fumonisin in corn, according to Neogen’s Monday Mycotoxin report from November 16.
Meanwhile, the U.S. corn harvest is advancing, with 93 percent of the harvest completed. That is 15 points ahead of this time last year and 5 points ahead of the five-year average.
Mostly favorable weather across the country has helped harvest progress. In the past week, temperatures east of the Mississippi River averaged 6 degrees above normal, while temperatures in the west were slightly below normal. Precipitation was near normal, although heavy rains fell in the Mississippi Delta and parts of the Southeast.
Texas and Colorado are the only states that remain behind average harvest progress for this time.
The new confirmed report of fumonisin was in Kansas, at more than 9 parts per million (ppm). This is in addition to the previously reported list of:
Meanwhile, the U.S. corn harvest is advancing, with 93 percent of the harvest completed. That is 15 points ahead of this time last year and 5 points ahead of the five-year average.
Mostly favorable weather across the country has helped harvest progress. In the past week, temperatures east of the Mississippi River averaged 6 degrees above normal, while temperatures in the west were slightly below normal. Precipitation was near normal, although heavy rains fell in the Mississippi Delta and parts of the Southeast.
Texas and Colorado are the only states that remain behind average harvest progress for this time.
The new confirmed report of fumonisin was in Kansas, at more than 9 parts per million (ppm). This is in addition to the previously reported list of:
- Texas
- North Carolina
- California
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Indiana
- Ohio
- New York
- Wisconsin
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Georgia
- Texas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Tennessee
- Alabama
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
US corn harvest makes big strides
The U.S. corn harvest made strong progress in the past week, according to Neogen’s Monday Mycotoxin Report from November 2. As harvest progressed, additional states reported mycotoxins.
In the past week, above-average temperatures across the U.S. accelerated the corn harvest, and major advances were made.
Corn maturity in the U.S. has reached 100 percent. The amount of corn harvested has reached 75 percent, well ahead of 44 percent one year ago, and ahead of the five-year average of 68 percent.
That is in addition to the previously reported list:
In the past week, above-average temperatures across the U.S. accelerated the corn harvest, and major advances were made.
Corn maturity in the U.S. has reached 100 percent. The amount of corn harvested has reached 75 percent, well ahead of 44 percent one year ago, and ahead of the five-year average of 68 percent.
New reports of mycotoxins
Alabama was added to the list of states with confirmed reports of aflatoxin, at more than 20 parts per billion. That is in addition to the previously reported list:- Georgia
- Texas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Tennessee
That is in addition to the previously reported list:
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
Monday, November 2, 2015
US corn harvest moves ahead, new states report mycotoxins
Mostly warm and dry weather helped the U.S. corn harvest along in the past week, as the presence of mycotoxins was confirmed in new states, according to Neogen’s Monday Mycotoxin report from October 26.
Ninety-eight percent of corn has reached maturity. That is two points ahead of the five-year average. Fifty-nine percent of corn has been harvested. That is five points ahead of the five-year average.
States with double-digit percentages of corn in poor to very poor condition include Illinois (15 percent), Indiana (23 percent), North Carolina (28 percent), Ohio (19 percent) and Missouri (17 percent).
Ninety-eight percent of corn has reached maturity. That is two points ahead of the five-year average. Fifty-nine percent of corn has been harvested. That is five points ahead of the five-year average.
States with double-digit percentages of corn in poor to very poor condition include Illinois (15 percent), Indiana (23 percent), North Carolina (28 percent), Ohio (19 percent) and Missouri (17 percent).
Mycotoxins reported
New to the list of states with confirmed reports of aflatoxin in corn is Tennessee, with more than 20 parts per billion (ppb). That is in addition to the previously reported list:- Georgia
- Texas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
Monday, October 19, 2015
New mycotoxins confirmed in US corn crop
There are new reports of aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol (DON) in the U.S. corn crop this week, according to Neogen’s Monday Mycotoxin report.
The new reports of aflatoxin came from Oklahoma, where levels have been detected at more than 100 parts per billion (ppb). More than 20 ppb is too high for food and pet food.
New reports of DON came from Minnesota, with levels of more than 2 parts per million (ppm) and Michigan, with levels of more than 3 ppm. The report also said 2015 is the worst year for DON in wheat in the past 17 years.
Neogen warned that, in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, increased damage and mycotoxin development may occur in crops that are still in fields that experienced recent flooding due to Hurricane Joaquin. Grain storage facilities in those areas also could have damage to grain in the bins and infrastructure.
Corn in good to excellent condition is at 68 percent, compared with 74 percent at this time a year ago. Corn in poor to very poor condition is at 10 percent, compared with 7 percent a year ago. Poor- to very poor-quality corn is most prevalent in Illinois (15 percent), Ohio (19 percent), Indiana (24 percent) and North Carolina (28 percent).
Forty-two percent of the nation’s corn has been harvested, compared with the five-year average at this time of 43 percent. Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin are behind average on their harvests.
The latest winter outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows a heavy influence from El Nino, with a warmer and drier winter for northern states and a cooler and wetter winter for southern states. Southern wheat growers should expect to be affected by cool, wet weather and low wheat prices.
The new reports of aflatoxin came from Oklahoma, where levels have been detected at more than 100 parts per billion (ppb). More than 20 ppb is too high for food and pet food.
New reports of DON came from Minnesota, with levels of more than 2 parts per million (ppm) and Michigan, with levels of more than 3 ppm. The report also said 2015 is the worst year for DON in wheat in the past 17 years.
Neogen warned that, in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, increased damage and mycotoxin development may occur in crops that are still in fields that experienced recent flooding due to Hurricane Joaquin. Grain storage facilities in those areas also could have damage to grain in the bins and infrastructure.
Crop report
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said fully mature corn is at 94 percent, compared with 91 percent for the five-year average at this time.Corn in good to excellent condition is at 68 percent, compared with 74 percent at this time a year ago. Corn in poor to very poor condition is at 10 percent, compared with 7 percent a year ago. Poor- to very poor-quality corn is most prevalent in Illinois (15 percent), Ohio (19 percent), Indiana (24 percent) and North Carolina (28 percent).
Forty-two percent of the nation’s corn has been harvested, compared with the five-year average at this time of 43 percent. Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin are behind average on their harvests.
The latest winter outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows a heavy influence from El Nino, with a warmer and drier winter for northern states and a cooler and wetter winter for southern states. Southern wheat growers should expect to be affected by cool, wet weather and low wheat prices.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Mycotoxins confirmed across US during harvest
The Monday Mycotoxin Report from Neogen on October 5 highlighted new confirmed reports of mycotoxins in corn across the country.
Aflatoxin, fumonisin and deoxynivalenol (DON) have been confirmed in several states:
Aflatoxin (more than 20 ppb is too high for food and pet food)
Neogen said in its September 21 report that all major classes of wheat in the U.S. are affected by DON. The report said the milling quality of wheat has been reduced due to high DON levels. DON has also been detected in wheat in Canada. The U.S. wheat harvest is complete.
According to the USDA, corn maturity across the country has advanced to near normal.
Ninety-seven percent of corn is in the dented stage, which is on par with the five-year average. The overall percentage of fully mature corn is 71 percent, compared with the five-year average of 72 percent.
However, corn development is behind in some states: Michigan is 10 percent behind normal; Texas, 11 percent behind normal; and Wisconsin, 9 percent behind normal.
Corn condition across the country is unchanged from last week, with 68 percent of the crop in good to excellent condition and 10 percent in poor to very poor condition.
Overall, the percentage of corn harvested, 18 percent, is behind the five-year average by 5 percent. Iowa is 9 percent behind and Minnesota and Tennessee are 7 percent behind.
Aflatoxin, fumonisin and deoxynivalenol (DON) have been confirmed in several states:
Aflatoxin (more than 20 ppb is too high for food and pet food)
- Georgia (more than 100 ppb)
- Texas (more than 40 ppb)
- North Carolina (more than 100 ppb)
- South Carolina (more than 20 ppb)
- Virginia (more than 100 ppb)
- Kansas (more than 40 ppb)
- Texas (more than 6 ppm)
- North Carolina (more than 7 ppm)
- California (more than 10 ppm)
- Missouri (up to 2 ppm)
- Illinois (up to 1 ppm)
- Iowa (more than 1 ppm)
Neogen said in its September 21 report that all major classes of wheat in the U.S. are affected by DON. The report said the milling quality of wheat has been reduced due to high DON levels. DON has also been detected in wheat in Canada. The U.S. wheat harvest is complete.
Harvest progress
Generally, across the country, warmer, dry weather aided crop maturity in the past week. Corn and soybean fields planted late have advanced considerably, improving harvest prospects for yield and quality. The exception to this is the Missouri River Valley region and the Southeast, where some areas received up to 4 inches of rain, slowing harvest.According to the USDA, corn maturity across the country has advanced to near normal.
Ninety-seven percent of corn is in the dented stage, which is on par with the five-year average. The overall percentage of fully mature corn is 71 percent, compared with the five-year average of 72 percent.
However, corn development is behind in some states: Michigan is 10 percent behind normal; Texas, 11 percent behind normal; and Wisconsin, 9 percent behind normal.
Corn condition across the country is unchanged from last week, with 68 percent of the crop in good to excellent condition and 10 percent in poor to very poor condition.
Overall, the percentage of corn harvested, 18 percent, is behind the five-year average by 5 percent. Iowa is 9 percent behind and Minnesota and Tennessee are 7 percent behind.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Report: All US wheat affected by mycotoxins
All major classes of wheat in the U.S. are affected by deoxynivalenol (DON), according to Neogen’s Mycotoxin Report on September 21. The report said the milling quality of wheat has been reduced due to high DON levels.
DON has also been detected in wheat in Canada: In Ontario at 2-4 parts per million (ppm) and in Saskatchewan at more than 3 ppm.
Harvest for all small grains other than spring wheat have been completed. Spring wheat harvest is nearly finished and remains ahead of the five-year average.
The U.S. barley harvest is complete, with confirmed reports of DON in barley in Virginia, Maryland, North Dakota and Minnesota.
Corn planted late in areas that experienced wet conditions and cooler temperatures is maturing later, leading to an increased risk of vomitoxin, the report said. Reports of aflatoxin in corn have been confirmed in South Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. Fumonisin has been confirmed in Texas, North Carolina and California.
The U.S. corn harvest is four points behind the five-year average, with Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee more than 10 percent behind average development.
Richard Brock of Brock Associates said corn harvest in the South is slightly ahead of normal, while harvest in the Midwest is slower.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lowered expected corn yield from 168.8 bushels per acre to 167.5 bushels per acre. Expected yields in Nebraska and Missouri were lowered the most, from 187 to 184, and from 152 to 148, respectively.
Brock said the amount of corn in good to excellent condition is very high, especially in key states Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, where high yields are expected.
DON has also been detected in wheat in Canada: In Ontario at 2-4 parts per million (ppm) and in Saskatchewan at more than 3 ppm.
Harvest for all small grains other than spring wheat have been completed. Spring wheat harvest is nearly finished and remains ahead of the five-year average.
The U.S. barley harvest is complete, with confirmed reports of DON in barley in Virginia, Maryland, North Dakota and Minnesota.
Corn development, outlook
Neogen’s report said corn development in the dented stage is slightly ahead of the five-year average, while fully mature corn is five points behind the five-year average. Development in Iowa, Missouri, Michigan and North Dakota is more than 10 percent behind average maturity.Corn planted late in areas that experienced wet conditions and cooler temperatures is maturing later, leading to an increased risk of vomitoxin, the report said. Reports of aflatoxin in corn have been confirmed in South Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. Fumonisin has been confirmed in Texas, North Carolina and California.
The U.S. corn harvest is four points behind the five-year average, with Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee more than 10 percent behind average development.
Richard Brock of Brock Associates said corn harvest in the South is slightly ahead of normal, while harvest in the Midwest is slower.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lowered expected corn yield from 168.8 bushels per acre to 167.5 bushels per acre. Expected yields in Nebraska and Missouri were lowered the most, from 187 to 184, and from 152 to 148, respectively.
Brock said the amount of corn in good to excellent condition is very high, especially in key states Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, where high yields are expected.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
North America wheat shows some mycotoxin contamination
Before the combines hit the fields this fall for harvest, farmers may want to keep a watchful eye on their crop quality. Preliminary testing over the summer months of the 2015 North America wheat crop, conducted by Alltech’s 37+ mycotoxin analysis, shows an average 3.2 mycotoxins per sample, with Deoxynivalenol (DON) the most predominant toxin.
Produced by Fusarium graminaerum mold, DON is part of the Type B Trichothecene family. At high risk levels, DON can have negative impacts on animal health and productivity, such as a reduction in milk production and weight gain, gut irritation and lower immune response. Critical factors for Fusarium mold growth include heavy rainfall, moderate temperatures, plant immaturity and crop stress or damage from insects, hail and wind.
Summer rainfall levels through Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana presented a consistent pattern with areas of high mycotoxin contamination in wheat testing from 2,000 to 12,000 parts per billion (ppb).
“For the past 90 days, we have had above average rainfall. This caused late planting, with some acres not planted at all. This made it difficult to get in to spray or do post planting field work. Wet soil has also created a nitrogen loss situation,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist with Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management team. “The next month’s climate will tell us a lot about the severity of any mold and mycotoxin problems. Cool and extended wet weather would not be ideal.”
Hawkins advises farmers to scout fields for any stalk or leaf mold issues, as well as for any damage to plants from insects or weather conditions, such as wind or hail. Also look for any irregularity in the field. Excess rain can create ponds that can drown out or stunt crop growth and generate differences in soil types across a field.
“Crop differences displayed across a field go into the same storage bin or bunker and are mixed, contaminating the entire crop,” Hawkins said. “Once the crop is in the bin, we can get pockets with higher moisture levels, attributing to increased mold growth and spoilage, which in turn can produce mycotoxins and lower the nutrient value of the feed.”
Producers should take the necessary management steps upon harvest to help troubleshoot existing issues with contaminated feedstuffs:
Produced by Fusarium graminaerum mold, DON is part of the Type B Trichothecene family. At high risk levels, DON can have negative impacts on animal health and productivity, such as a reduction in milk production and weight gain, gut irritation and lower immune response. Critical factors for Fusarium mold growth include heavy rainfall, moderate temperatures, plant immaturity and crop stress or damage from insects, hail and wind.
Summer rainfall levels through Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana presented a consistent pattern with areas of high mycotoxin contamination in wheat testing from 2,000 to 12,000 parts per billion (ppb).
“For the past 90 days, we have had above average rainfall. This caused late planting, with some acres not planted at all. This made it difficult to get in to spray or do post planting field work. Wet soil has also created a nitrogen loss situation,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist with Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management team. “The next month’s climate will tell us a lot about the severity of any mold and mycotoxin problems. Cool and extended wet weather would not be ideal.”
Hawkins advises farmers to scout fields for any stalk or leaf mold issues, as well as for any damage to plants from insects or weather conditions, such as wind or hail. Also look for any irregularity in the field. Excess rain can create ponds that can drown out or stunt crop growth and generate differences in soil types across a field.
“Crop differences displayed across a field go into the same storage bin or bunker and are mixed, contaminating the entire crop,” Hawkins said. “Once the crop is in the bin, we can get pockets with higher moisture levels, attributing to increased mold growth and spoilage, which in turn can produce mycotoxins and lower the nutrient value of the feed.”
Producers should take the necessary management steps upon harvest to help troubleshoot existing issues with contaminated feedstuffs:
- Use of a silage inoculant
- Proper packing and covering of grains
- Grain drying – dry to 14 percent moisture
- Use of a proper mycotoxin management program
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Website helps farmers combat mycotoxins
A website developed by plant pathologists from Purdue University and research institutions nationwide helps farmers understand and respond to the threat of mycotoxins in corn.
The website, Corntoxins, includes management information, photo and video documentation, information on how to properly store moldy grain, and describes the characteristics of various types of mycotoxins.
“Prevention is the most effective management strategy to reducing the impact of ear rots and mycotoxins,” said Charles Woloshuk, a professor of botany and plant pathology and member of the website development team. “We created the website to make management information readily accessible to farmers and agribusiness personnel so they can take appropriate precautions to prevent ear rots and manage mycotoxins if they occur in the grain.”
The website is a product of the Integrated Management Strategies for Aspergillus and Fusarium Ear Rots of Corn project, which was established in 2012 with funding from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The project’s goal is to coordinate and promote a research and extension collaboration that provides new tools for managing ear rots and mycotoxins.
Along with Purdue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), University of Arkansas, Michigan State University, North Carolina State University and Texas A&M University are participating the in project.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Mycotoxin risks severe, high in 80 percent of world
Mycotoxin-related threats to livestock production are severe or high in 80 percent of regions worldwide, according to the latest Biomin Mycotoxin Survey.
Those areas registered three or more major mycotoxins at concentration levels known to cause harm in animals. The survey results provide insights on the incidence of the six major mycotoxins in the agricultural commodities used for livestock feed.
The annual Biomin Mycotoxin Survey constitutes the longest running and most comprehensive survey of its kind, using advanced analytic tools on more than 6,000 samples taken from 64 countries. Twenty-six thousand analyses were conducted to identify the presence and potential risk posed to livestock animal production.
Survey findings
Livestock production in North America and Southern Europe faces severe threat from mycotoxin contamination.
South America, Asia, and the rest of Europe all face high threat from mycotoxins.
Globally, deoxynivalenol poses the most frequent threat to livestock though levels of fumonisins and zearalenone also present a cause for concern.
Mycotoxin contamination concentrations are up from last year.
“Clearly, mycotoxin contamination will be a greater concern for producers in most countries compared to last year,” said Ursula Hofstetter, director competence center mycotoxins at Biomin.
Compared with the previous year, the number of samples positive for aflatoxins decreased from 30 percent in 2013 to 22 percent in 2014, though the average concentration nearly doubled from 33 ppb to 64 ppb. The frequency of the other five mycotoxins rose compared with 2013, while the average concentrations of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol nearly doubled, to 221 ppb and 1,394 ppb, respectively.
Multiple mycotoxin analysis
For the first time, the survey includes results of multiple mycotoxin analysis of more than 380 mycotoxins and fungal metabolites, Spectrum 380, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in a single analysis step. Spectrum 380 analysis reveals that a typical agricultural commodity contains on average 30 different mycotoxin metabolites.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Nutriad: 100 percent of Poland’s corn contains mycotoxins
Nutriad conducted its Mycotoxin Survey on Poland’s 2014 corn crop, and found that 100 percent of its samples were contaminated with two mycotoxins.
The survey covered 36 samples from across the country. More than 216 analyses were conducted to test for the occurrence of the six most frequently found mycotoxins in agricultural commodities intended for animal production.
The survey provides an insight into the incidences of aflatoxin B1 (AfB1), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) across all regions of Poland. All analyzed samples were maize. All samples were collected almost immediately after the harvest and the probability that some storage mycotoxins will have developed (OTA) was low. Maize samples were sampled directly from farms or animal feed production sites.
The results show that 100 percent of maize samples were contaminated with DON and ZEN. None of the samples contained AfB1 and OTA. Exactly 25 percent of samples contained FB1. The average concentrations of all recovered mycotoxins were medium to high while the highest concentration of DON found in one of the samples reached 7900 μg/kg. T-2 toxin, a mycotoxin extremely toxic for poultry was found in 63 percent of the samples; its maximum concentration reached 120 μg/kg and this level could be significant for poultry or other monogastric animal species. Of even more interest was contamination by zearalenone; 100 percent of samples were contaminated and the highest analyzed concentration was 2600 μg/kg. The average ZEN contamination was 291 μg/kg and this level can be considered medium to high risk for most animal species.
Nutriad concludes that the 2014 harvest of maize in Poland is of poor quality in terms of mycotoxin contamination. Based on the results of this survey conducted immediately after the 2014 harvest, this year’s wheat crop in Poland should not be considered safe for inclusion into finished feed rations for all animal species. Special attention should be paid to contamination of maize by DON and ZEN and appropriate measures taken to mitigate against the effects of their presence in animal feeds. The last possible line of defense is the detoxification of mycotoxins in vivo. The addition of proven mycotoxin deactivators to animal feeds is a very common method to prevent mycotoxicosis and is an effective strategy to keep mycotoxin risk low under any and all conditions.
All six mycotoxins were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). For the purpose of data analysis, non-detection levels were based on the limits of quantification (LOQ) of the test method for each mycotoxin: AfB1 < 0.5 μg/kg; ZEN < 10 μg/kg; DON < 75 μg/kg; FB1 < 125 μg/kg; OTA < 1 μg/kg and T-2 toxin < 4 μg/kg.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Nutriad Mycotoxin Survey: Poland’s wheat crop unsafe for feed
Nutriad conducted its Mycotoxin Survey on 78 samples of wheat from all over Poland, and concluded that the country’s crop should not be considered safe for inclusion into finished feed.
More than 460 analyses were conducted to test for the occurrence of the six mycotoxins most frequently found in agricultural commodities intended for animal production. The survey provides an insight into the incidences of aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) across all regions of Poland. All analyzed samples were wheat. All samples were collected almost immediately after the harvest and the probability that some storage mycotoxins will have developed (OTA) was low. Wheat samples were sampled directly from farms or animal feed production sites.
The Nutriad wheat mycotoxin survey concludes that this year’s harvest of wheat in Poland is of medium quality in terms of mycotoxin contamination.
Based on the results of this survey conducted immediately after the 2014 harvest Nutriad CEO Erik Visser indicates: “This year’s wheat crop in Poland should not be considered safe for inclusion into finished feed rations for all animal species. According to our experts, special attention should be paid to contamination of wheat by DON and ZEN and appropriate measures taken to mitigate against the effects of their presence in animal feeds.”
All six mycotoxins were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). For the purpose of data analysis, non-detection levels were based on the limits of quantification (LOQ) of the test method for each mycotoxin: AfB1 < 0.5 μg/kg; ZEN < 10 μg/kg; DON < 75 μg/kg; FB1 < 125 μg/kg; OTA < 1 μg/kg and T-2 toxin < 4 μg/kg.
The results show that 62 percent of wheat samples were contaminated with DON and none of the samples contained AfB1 and fumonisin B1. Only 3 percent of samples contained OTA but this result was expected as it is well known that OTA is a typical storage mycotoxin. The average concentrations of all recovered mycotoxins were medium while the highest concentration of DON found in one of the samples reached 2500 μg/kg. Although 8 percent of the samples contained T-2 toxin, a mycotoxin extremely toxic for poultry, its maximum concentration reached only 33 μg/kg and this level is negligible. Of more interest was contamination by zearalenone; only 10 percent of samples were contaminated but the highest analyzed concentration was 250 μg/kg. The average ZEN contamination was 94 μg/kg and this level can be considered low for most animal species.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Mycotoxin analysis shows UK, Ireland wheat of very good quality
A mycotoxin survey, conducted by Belgium based feed additives supplier Nutriad, covered 55 samples across all regions of Great Britain and Ireland. More than 300 analyses were conducted to test for the occurrence of the six mycotoxins most frequently found in agricultural commodities intended for animal production.
The survey provides insight into the incidences of aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) across all regions of the U.K. and Ireland.
This year's continental European maize harvest has shown increased contamination with the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN). The levels of both these mycotoxins in some samples of corn harvested in Eastern and Central Europe reached such critical values that it would not be safe to feed that corn to sows and piglets and special care should be taken also in dairy cows and calves
All analyzed samples were wheat. Typically, wheat levels of DON and zearalenone tend to be lower in northern England and Scotland; moderate in western England, Wales and Ireland; and highest in southern and southeastern England. All 55 samples were collected almost immediately after the harvest and the probability that some storage mycotoxins will have developed (OTA) was low. Wheat samples were sampled directly from farms or animal feed production sites.
All six mycotoxins were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). For the purpose of data analysis, non-detection levels were based on the limits of quantification (LOQ) of the test method for each mycotoxin: AfB1 < 0.5 μg/kg; ZEN < 10 μg/kg; DON < 75 μg/kg; FB1 < 125 μg/kg; OTA < 1 μg/kg and T-2 toxin < 4 μg/kg.
The Nutriad survey shows that 22 percent of wheat samples were contaminated with DON and none of the samples contained AfB1. Only 2 percent of samples contained OTA and FB1, but this result was expected as it is well known that OTA is a typical storage mycotoxin and FB1 is preferably produced on maize. The average concentrations of all recovered mycotoxins were low while the highest concentration of DON found in one of the samples reached only 280 μg/kg. Although 9 percent of the samples contained T-2 toxin, a mycotoxin extremely toxic for poultry, its maximum concentration reached only 11 μg/kg, and this level is negligible.
The Nutriad wheat mycotoxin survey concludes that this year’s harvest of wheat in the U.K. and Ireland is of very good quality in terms of mycotoxin contamination. Based on the results of this survey conducted immediately after the 2014 harvest, this year’s wheat crop in the U.K. and Ireland might be considered safe for inclusion into finished feed rations for all animal species.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Researcher: There’s probably no safe level of mycotoxins in feed
Dr. Thomas Scott, research chair in feed processing technology, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, said that mycotoxin contamination of portions of the wheat crop in Canada this year is a problem, particularly fusarium and ergot contamination. He told the audience at Optivite’s Mycotoxin Seminar held at EuroTier in Hanover, Germany, that there is no silver bullet to detoxify contaminated grains or finished feeds, but there have been some advancements in technology which could help salvage some of the heavily mycotoxin contaminated wheat.
New research facility
For example, Scott said that the Canadian Feed Research Center, which opened on October 24, has a BoMill TriQ seed sorter which scans each individual kernel with light in the near-infrared range to find out characteristics that are important to food, malt or feed. These include crude protein, starch, moisture, grain hardness, and functional values.
Scott said that heavily mycotoxin-contaminated wheat or barley -- so badly contaminated that it can’t be legally sold -- can be sorted with this machine at a rate of 3 metric tons per hour to salvage about 80 percent of the original grain by recognizing the contaminated kernels and pulling them out. Scott said that the university is then using the contaminated fraction that is removed to produce test rations for use in mycotoxin research.
Dealing with mycotoxins
Scott said that the practice of mixing mycotoxin-contaminated grain with relatively mycotoxin-free grain is not a good solution. He also said that the test and reject approach to handling incoming ingredients isn’t the solution either, because the contamination frequently isn’t evenly distributed throughout the load of grain and it is easy to miss hot spots when sampling a truck, rail car or barge of grain. He said, you can’t find everything, and asked, “what happens to the contaminated feed that is rejected?” Another point that Scott made to bolster his point was that mycotoxin contamination can occur in storage in the grain silo or feed mill after purchase, and it doesn’t just happen on the farm. “Mycotoxins can occur pre-harvest, post-harvest and can get concentrated in storage,” he said.
Scott noted that washing, dehulling and polishing contaminated grain will reduce mycotoxin contamination on the outside of the kernel, but that it isn’t a total solution. He also said that ultraviolet radiation can work to decontaminate the surface of the kernel.
Scott said that certain mineral clays are absorbents that have positive and negative charges and can be used to bind some mycotoxins in vitro, but maybe not in vivo (inside the animal’s gut). He explained that detoxification of the mycotoxin in the gut of the chicken must happen quickly -- within 30 minutes of the digesta becoming solubilized. He asked, “can we do this in dry feed some day?”
Yeast cell wall products can also be used to bind mycotoxins, Scott reported. He added that spray dried animal plasma works very well young pigs to reduce the negative weight gain effect of mycotoxins on young pigs, but he said it is an expensive treatment.
He said that at this time there is no one treatment for mycotoxin control that is a “silver bullet.” He said that the solution needs to take a broad spectrum approach.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Analysis shows mycotoxin levels rising in stored 2013 crop
- Only run aeration fans during the coolest times of day or night. Hold grain at 50F or less and 14 percent moisture or less.
- Mold growth in storage is greater where there are leaks in facilities and where fines and damaged kernels are concentrated.
- The south side and tops of grain bins warm quicker as daytime temperatures begin to increase.
- New mold growth will increase temperature and moisture in surrounding grain.
- Continually monitor stored grain for temperature, moisture and mycotoxins.
After seven months of feeding the 2013 harvest to their herds,dairy producers may soon find their corn silage and total mixed ration (TMR) arenot quite up to par, as many herds are now facing new challenges due to recent moldand mycotoxin growth in feed during storage.
“The U.S. crops varied considerably from farm to farm and even from field to field. These varied crops were all harvested at the same time and placed into storage, creating silage that is a mixture of maturity and crop stress,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, a nutritionist from Alltech’s mycotoxin management team. “The effects of storage moisture and temperature, oxygen availability and forage management are now being discovered.”
Alltech has continued to analyze corn silage and TMR samples since the September harvest through its 37+ Program. The analysis is performed using LC/MSMS technology and considers the mycotoxin challenge in each sample as a whole, rather than looking at the individual mycotoxins present. According to Hawkins, the analysis more closely reflects commercial production and the challenges facing producers around the world. The company has also developed a Risk Equivalent Quantity (REQ), which assesses and calculates the total potential risk to a given species associated with the mycotoxin group present in a sample.
A total of 104 corn silage samples and 279 TMR samples have been analyzed through Alltech’s 37+ Program from September to March with each month showing an increase in the average number of mycotoxins per sample. For example, corn silage samples have increased in levels of Type B Trichothecenes from 681 parts per billion (ppb) in September to 1720 ppb in March. A cautionary level of Type B Trichothecenes is 1000 ppb and high risk is 2000 ppb for mature dairy cows.
“As a result, producers are likely to see decreased dry matter intake, lower milk production, poor gut health with inconsistent manure and diminished immune response,” Hawkins said. “This places the risk for corn silage well above a cautionary risk level and at or near high risk since October.”
He also reminds producers as storage facilities are emptied this spring that high levels of mycotoxins may be found in the lower levels of the facilities, where the fines and cracked kernels tend to concentrate.
Hawkins recommends these five tips for producers feeding the last of the 2013 harvest:
“Producers need to keep in mind the risk from mycotoxins to the cow is a moving target and what you feed today is not necessarily what you will feed tomorrow,” Hawkins said.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Biomin, Boku win Houska Prize for fumonisin research
The Vienna-based B&C Foundation hasawarded the first place in the Houska Prize to Biomin for its fumonisin-degradingenzyme FUMzyme.
The Boku Vienna project – the joint Biomin-Bokumycotoxins research -- “stood out with a highly topical scientific concept” while offering “a prime example of successful cooperation between (academic) research and corporate partnership,” according to the B&C Foundation.
For the first place award, the Houska Prize committee at the B&C Foundation identified molds as a recurring problem in agriculture and growing threat to food safety. In addition to the billions in losses due to damage, fumonisins induce severe diseases in animals that could lead ultimately to death.
The latest BIOMIN Mycotoxin Survey 2013 found more than 21% of all feed ingredient samples containing more than 1,000 ppb of fumonisins, a level of fumonisin contamination that poses a medium-to-high health risk for pigs and poultry.
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