Aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone in dairy feeds in Portugal, 2009-2011

This paper presents 3 years of data (2009-2011) on the occurrence of two mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEA), in samples of feedstuff for dairy cows (n = 963), ewes (n = 42), and goats (n = 131) produced in Portugal. AFB1 was found in 15 samples of cow feed (1.6%), 3 samples of ewe feed (2.3%) and in 2 samples of goat feed (4.8%). All but two samples contained AFB1 at levels below the European Union maximum level (5 μg/kg). Nearly half (45%) of the samples were contaminated with ZEA, but its levels were relatively low, at 5-136.9 μg/kg, well below the European Union guidance value (500 μg/kg).