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Mycotoxins in Swedish grains and mixed feeds
1Department of Animal Nutrition, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala.
Summary
Animal feed contamination was assessed for mycotoxins. Ochratoxin A, zearalenone, aflatoxin, and deoxynivalenol were detected in several samples, indicating potential risks to animal breeding.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Mycotoxins in animal feed pose significant risks to animal health and productivity.
- Contaminated feedstuffs have been linked to reproductive issues in livestock.
- Previous assessments of feed quality are limited in scope and time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze grains and mixed feeds for the presence of specific mycotoxins.
- To identify potential sources of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed samples from 1977-1978.
- To assess the levels of ochratoxin A, zearalenone, aflatoxin, and trichothecenes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of approximately 68 grain and mixed feed samples.
- Detection of ochratoxin A, zearalenone, aflatoxin, and nine trichothecenes.
- Confirmation of deoxynivalenol using gas-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (GLC/MS).
Main Results:
- Six samples tested positive for ochratoxin A, with levels ranging from 40-1690 ppb (average 750 ppb).
- Two samples contained zearalenone (1200 ppb and <100 ppb).
- Aflatoxin was found at 2600 ppb on the surface of formic acid-treated oats. Deoxynivalenol was detected in two samples, one at approximately 2 ppm.
Conclusions:
- Mycotoxin contamination, including ochratoxin A, zearalenone, aflatoxin, and deoxynivalenol, was present in animal feed samples from 1977-1978.
- The findings highlight the potential for significant mycotoxin exposure in livestock.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term impact of these contaminants.