Multiple mycotoxins are present in feed

Most commodities and feed for livestock animals are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, according to the Biomin health in animal nutrition company.

More frequently than not, multiple mycotoxins are present in feed.

Mycotoxin contamination typically occurs in grain before harvest or during storage, due to prolonged exposure to high humidity or damage due to drought.

Biomin says it’s crucial to avoid the negative effects of these hazardous substances on animals.

In 2012, the company analysed 4,023 samples world­wide for mycotoxins at labs in Austria, Singapore, the USA, and Brazil. As expected, levels found in maize by-products such as corn gluten meal and dried distillers grains with solubles far exceeded those found in unprocessed maize.

Contamination of finished feed was similar — an expected outcome, because maize is the major commodity used globally for livestock diets.

More were found in wheat bran than wheat itself.

Soybeans had fewer mycotoxins than maize or wheat.

Silage and straw were also analysed, and mycotoxins were in up to 68% of samples. This high level in straw is often overlooked, but is of relevance even where straw is only used as bedding, and is eaten by animals.