The Alltech Mycotoxin Management team analyzed corn, spring wheat, barley and triticale samples from across Canada as part of the 2016 Alltech Canada Harvest Analysis. The results indicated a high risk for the presence of mycotoxins in total mixed rations, distillers dried grains with solubles and silage. On average, 3.8 different mycotoxins were present in the TMR and DDGS samples collected.
The 2016 Alltech Canada Harvest Analysis tested 45 TMR samples from across Canada, from June 1 to Nov. 30, at the company’s ISO-accredited Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analytical services laboratory in Nicholasville, Ky. The report shows that only 2% of the samples contained no mycotoxins. Two percent of the samples contained eight to nine mycotoxins, 20% contained six to seven mycotoxins, 29% contained four to five mycotoxins, 29% contained two to three mycotoxins and 18% contained one mycotoxin. Type B trichothecene mycotoxins (including Deoxynivalenol) were present in 80% of the samples, and fusaric acid was present in more than half.
DON is a type B trichothecene mycotoxin and was the most prevalent mycotoxin found in new-crop corn silage as well as spring wheat, barley and triticale samples. High levels of fusaric acid were also present in the samples collected. The combination of DON and fusaric acid can result in a high risk equivalent factor that can be toxic to animals. Producers should observe their herd and monitor their animals for poor feed intake as well as reduced milk or meat production.
“Mycotoxin issues aren’t limited to growing regions with contaminated crops,” says Max Hawkins, nutritionist for the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team. “Mycotoxins move around quickly and spread contamination, so ensure that you sample your TMR and silage regularly and monitor your animals.”
The Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis program can detect the presence of more than 37 different mycotoxins in feed, raw materials and forage. It also provides a risk assessment of the threat mycotoxins present to animals as well as tailored recommendations for your operation, all within two weeks of sample submission. For more information on the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com or contact your local Alltech representative.
Alltech Canada is headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, with regional offices in Calgary, Alberta, and Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Alltech employs 40 people in Canada and more than 5,000 people globally.
