ISSUE FOCUS 44 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 challenges to livestock producers, especially dairy producers, and processors. There has been news in the European market that dairy farmers in recent months have reduced the use of corn and corn by-products in the rations owing to the fear of AF. Concentrations of AF in Asia were much higher than that of other regions, indicating the need for better storage of corn. Transfer of AFB1 from feed to milk is much higher in high-yielding cows and hence AFM1 can be a challenge in Europe despite levels below the recommended median concentrations of 4ppb AFB1 in feed. Ochratoxins. 100% of the corn samples tested in North America were contaminated with OTA followed by Latin America and MEA (Table 2). In corn, OTA contamination generally happens during storage. In Europe, it is quite common to observe OTA contamination in wheat as Penicillium moulds attack the plant in the field. Such phenomenon is not generally observed in corn. Median concentrations across the globe were quite low and may not be a major concern when considering the individual mycotoxin presence. Deoxynivalenol (DON). 100% of the corn samples tested in North America were contaminated with DON followed by Latin America and MEA (Table 2). It is not surprising for North America (USA and Canada) as the temperate climate during crop production supports the growth Fusarium graminearum fungal growth. MEA contamination reflects the import of corn from the Americas. In Asia, although the percentage of contamination was low, the mycotoxin concentrations in the positive samples were quite high. The same applies to MEA and Europe. DON is the most common mycotoxin across the globe and concentrations observed in analyses certainly can impact the performance of all species of animals. In recent years, extensive research has been carried out on this mycotoxin looking at its impact on the gut health of livestock and poultry. New regulations on its limits may focus on gut health issues rather than performance impairment. T-2/HT-2 toxin. 100% of the corn samples tested in North America were contaminated with T-2 toxin followed by Latin America and Europe (Table 2). It is a bit surprising to see such high levels of contamination for North America as this region is not known for high levels of contamination with Fusarium sporotrichoides fungi. Climate change and unexpected weather pattern may be a culprit here. Growing conditions in Latin America and Europe do support the growth of this fungi. Median concentrations indicated here can cause health and production issues except for the concentrations observed in North America. Although Asia observed only 9% contamination with this toxin, median concentrations detected can cause major health and production issues, including mortality in poultry. Zearalenone. 100% of the corn samples tested in North America were contaminated with ZEA followed by Asia and MEA (Table 2). It is not surprising for North America (USA and Canada) as the temperate climate during crop production supports the growth Fusarium graminearum fungal growth.
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