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Fungi and molds that grow in grains or forage can produce poisonous compounds (or toxins). These compounds are collectively called “mycotoxins” and may affect the health of both humans and livestock. More than four hundred mycotoxins have been identified, but only a small number are of concern to livestock.
Is mycotoxin produced primarily by Penicillium verrucosum
Originally associated with Aspergillus ochraceus
Often occurs with zearalenone and aflatoxin B1
Ochratoxin is potential problem in cereal crop grains
Primarily corn, barley, wheat, rye
Pennicillium species generally responsible for contamination in cool, temperate climatesAspergillus species generally responsible for contamination in hot, tropical climates
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not set action, advisory, or guidance levels
Has listed ochratoxin as “Potentially Hazardous Contaminant”
Commission of the European Communities has set guidance levels (see Table 1 )
Concern level
Level indicating possible favorable conditions for mycotoxin development
Additional testing of feed ingredients or rations may be prudent
Limit amounts fed to livestock if moderate performance effects are observed
Discontinue use (at least temporarily) if pronounced chronic symptoms or acute clinical symptoms are observed
Potentially harmful level
Indicates probable involvement of zearalenone in reduced performance, chronic symptoms, or acute clinical symptoms
Discontinue feeding ‐ at least temporarily ‐ if either chronic or acute symptoms are noted
Observe animals closely if symptoms are absent
Continue testing feedstuffs or rations
Generally associated with mold growth
Drying grain quickly is primary prevention strategy
2. Safe moisture thresholds:
i. Wheat, barley, oats: 14% to 15% ii. Corn: 14% iii. Rice: 13% to 14% iv. Canola, rape seed: 7% to 8%
Rapidly degraded in rumen
Typically not considered health concern for ruminants
Almost exclusively problem for monogastrics
Concern for “pre‐ruminant” calves?
Pigs
Often associated with kidney disease
Ochratoxin accumulates in kidney and liver
Poultry
Less sensitive to ochratoxin than swine
Livestock feedstuffs ‐‐‐‐‐ mg/kg or ppm ‐‐‐‐‐
Total ration dry matter
Concern level 0.25
Potentially harmful
Cattle 5.0 to 9.0
Swine 0.7 to 1.5
European Guidance Levels 88% D.M. 100% D.M.
Cereals, cereal products 0.25 0.28
Rations for:
Pigs 0.05 0.057
Poultry 0.10 0.11
Adams, R.S. et. al. Mold and mycotoxin problems in livestock feeding. DAS 93‐21. Pennsylvania State Univ. Coop. Ext. Svc. 17 pg. http://www.das.psu.edu/research‐extension/dairy/nutrition/pdf/mold.pdf/view?searchterm=mycotoxin
Battacone, et. al. 2010. Effects of Ochratoxin A on Livestock Production. Toxins 2010, 2(7), 1796‐1824; doi:10.3390/toxins2071796. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153269/ accessed 15Sept2017.
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