Progressive Dairyman asked Biomin experts to comment on their annual mycotoxin survey findings from earlier this year. Q. What is most strikingly different about this year's survey compared to previous years' surveys? A: We have been conducting a mycotoxin survey for several years. The survey allows feed and animal producers to assess the risks of using certain feedstuffs/feeds from different regions.
In general, fusarium mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol and fumonisins, are the most prevalent mycotoxins.
Following the extreme drought in the Corn Belt region in 2012, elevated aflatoxin levels in corn were identified in certain states. However, fumonisins are reported to be ubiquitously present in 2012, with 78 percent of all samples testing positive. The average contamination of all samples analyzed was 1,673 ppb.Q. What were the most prevalent mycotoxins found in silages in 2012?
A: Similar to previous years, the main mycotoxins present in silage are deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, which were present in 68 percent and 49 percent of tested samples, respectively, with mean contamination levels of 600 ppb in the case of DON and 135 ppb in the case of ZEN.
Q. What can be learned about how mycotoxin populations changed in the U.S. as the Midwest drought deepened?
A: Increased awareness in the feed industry and among livestock producers in the case of mycotoxins is needed to increase the quality of production and safety of products. Due to changing weather patterns in the U.S., increased concentration of aflatoxins and particulate fumonisins have been noted. PD
Information provided by Karin Naehrer, product manager, Biomin.
