[The occurrence of Fusarium toxins in feed]

Fusariotoxins can be found in imported feed as well as in crops from the Middle-Europe-Region. Concerning frequency of contamination, zearalenone is most important in the Federal Republic of Germany. From the grains, maize and oats are mainly affected. Frequency and intensity of contamination however, variates, depending on several factors as climate or genetical resistance. Typical districts with high frequency of contamination cannot be found in the FRG at the present status of knowledge. Feed-intoxications by zearalenone predominantly can be seen in pigs, cases with ruminants, horses or fowl rarely can be found. As imported feeds--especially those of the by-products of the wet-milling technique of maize--can be contaminated with zearalenone, a consequent control is demanded. Additionally culture techniques, genetical selection, seed treatment and harvesting should be optimized. A scientific-based tolerable limit till now cannot be stated. There are however some hints, that female pigs show cystic degenerations of the ovary receiving 50 microgram per kg diet. Naturally contaminated feed with 100 microgram fed for several weeks to growing female pigs induced signs of hyperestrogenism. Trichothecene contamination was found with lower frequency in the Federal Republic especially with DON, which dominates in Austria and some districts of the USA. From the contaminated feeds, maize and oats should be mentioned with priority. Ensiled products of the maize plant show some degradation during the ensiling process. Husks contain higher levels than the endosperm. No differences between conventionally and alternatively (biologic dynamic) grown crops could be found. A value for a tolerable daily intake cannot be stated at the present status of knowledge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)