AGDAILY Bites
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Corn silage samples have a high increase in mycotoxin contamination compared to 2023.
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More than 95 percent of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin.
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Alltech will stream From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis at 10 a.m. ET Nov. 21.
AGDAILY Discussion
Preliminary analysis by Alltech of corn silage samples in the U.S. reveals a high increase in mycotoxin contamination compared to 2023, with all samples containing two or more mycotoxins. This finding is part of the company’s 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis, which aims to uncover the threat mycotoxins pose to animals and producers.
Mycotoxins are produced by certain species of molds and are a concern for livestock producers as they can influence feed quality and subsequent animal health and performance.
These natural substances, which are produced by molds and fungi, are more prevalent — and more of a problem in agriculture — than ever before. More than 95 percent of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin and usually two or more. Because these toxins are difficult to detect, they can cause significant damage to animal health before producers even realize they are present. A proactive mycotoxin management program is essential, and the first step is learning which mycotoxins pose the highest risk in specific regions, crops and species.
The preliminary results of the 2024 analysis deliver an early insight into the mycotoxin landscape. The Alltech U.S. Harvest Analysis, a decade-long initiative, is a comprehensive step in understanding the complexities of new-crop quality, mycotoxin prevalence, and the threat that mycotoxins pose to animals and producers. To determine the most accurate representation of mycotoxin risk across the U.S., samples are collected by Alltech representatives and sent to the company’s headquarters in Kentucky and its Alltech 37+ laboratory.
“The weather pattern for 2024 is a prime driver for the change in corn silage mycotoxin risk. The precipitation over the upper Midwest started early and, in many areas, delayed planting or caused replanting,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, technical support manager with Alltech’s mycotoxin management team. “This excess moisture is a stimulant for Fusarium mold growth, which can produce mycotoxins such as type B trichothecenes, emerging mycotoxins and zearalenone. Overall, the numbers of mycotoxins per sample are 8.3 for 2024 versus 5.3 for 2023. The risk equivalent quantity (REQ), or risk estimate, from all the mycotoxin present is 201.6, or higher risk, vs. 122.7 for 2023.”
Alltech’s REQ is a system that measures the cumulative risk of multiple mycotoxins in feed, making it easier to evaluate contamination. It combines mycotoxin levels into a single value, helping producers manage feed safety and quality.
Weather and mycotoxin risk
The spike in contamination is largely attributed to significant rainfall across the upper Midwest, which created favorable conditions for the growth of Fusarium molds. These molds are responsible for producing various harmful mycotoxins, particularly type B trichothecenes, which pose the highest risk.
Key mycotoxins in 2024 corn silage
Type B trichothecenes: These mycotoxins have seen a sharp increase, with an average concentration of 1,863 parts per billion (ppb) and a staggering maximum level of 43,717 ppb. In comparison, 2023 averages were notably lower, at 1,014 ppb with a maximum of 29,853 ppb.
Zearalenone: Levels of zearalenone, known for its estrogenic effects in livestock, also rose significantly in 2024. The average concentration was 102 ppb, with a maximum of 2,134 ppb. In 2023, these values were much lower, at an average of 28 ppb and a maximum of 1,171 ppb.
Emerging mycotoxins: Samples to date have shown an average of 100 ppb with a peak level of 4,300 ppb, up from 73 ppb and 987 ppb in 2023.
With corn harvest progressing well, the number of samples arriving at the lab are increasing each week. Early indications are similar to last year, with risk increasing as you move to the East, following the rainfall patterns. This risk is due primarily to Fusarium mycotoxins, type B trichothecenes, fumonisin and zearalenone.
These toxins can have a significant impact on monogastric performance, reproduction and overall health.
