Early fears on the possibility of high mycotoxin levels in feed crops have not been realized in some Corn Belt states in the US, agricultural experts say.
US scientists are working to develop faster or more complete methods to test for mycotoxins in feed crops as a way to increase feed safety and animal performance.
Experts say with more wheat potentially entering the US feed market, there are some hidden costs and factors to be aware of before using it as a feed source.
Brazilian researchers are looking for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains able to adsorb or to degrade mycotoxins in the hunt for ingredients to alleviate the negative effects of the molds on animal health.
Feed contamination by the mycotoxin, DON, at concentrations below the EU maximum guidance level, is a predisposing factor for the development of necrotic enteritis in broilers, found researchers.
Whilst the setting of maximum levels for fumonisins in maize is an important step, more attention needs to be given to the impact of the occurrence of multi-mycotoxins in feed grains, according to animal nutrition firm Biomin.
