ISSUE FOCUS 42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 MAJOR MYCOTOXINS OF CONCERN IN CORN More than 600 mycotoxins have been identified chemically and the number is increasing every passing year. Climate change, improper agricultural practises, poor soil conditions and ineffective fungicides have certainly increased the susceptibility of corn to moulds infestation in the field and the consequent mycotoxin production. Among many moulds that can infest corn, Fusarium and Aspergillus moulds have been studied extensively. Fusarium moulds notably produce mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 toxin and fumonisins. Interestingly although the moulds that produce DON and fumonisins belong to the same genus Fusarium, the species within the genus requires different agroclimatic conditions. DON is a major issue in temperate regions of the world, such as North America, Europe, and China, while fumonisins are a major issue in tropical regions such as Asia, South America, and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Such regional demarcation will be lost in importing regions such as Asia and MEA due to the dependence on North America and South America for importing corn. Contrary to what many people think, Aspergillus fungus can attack corn while it is on the field CAN MYCOTOXINS FORCE AN UPPER LIMIT OF CORN USAGE IN ANIMAL FEEDS? Corn is the major raw material used in animal feeds. In pigs and poultry, corn represents up to 60% of the diet while in ruminants it is used as grain, silage, and many by-products with varying levels of inclusion. As corn is an excellent source of the majority of the nutrients required in animals’ diets, it is hard to find a suitable replacement. Can mycotoxins lower the limit of corn usage? Avinash Bhat Technical Specialist Responsible for Mycotoxin Analysis Masterlab Dr. Swamy Haladi, DVM., PhD Commercial & Technical Manager Mycotoxin Risk Management Programme Selko Feed Additives
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