The effect of drying method and storage time on citrinin activity in corn

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Animal Nutrition
• Food Safety

Background:

• Penicillium spp. produce mycotoxins like citrinin, posing a risk to animal feed.
• Citrinin contamination in corn can impact animal health and productivity.
• Understanding citrinin stability under different storage conditions is crucial for feed safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stability of citrinin in corn stored under different conditions.
• To assess the impact of citrinin intake on broiler chick physiology.
• To determine the influence of drying methods and storage duration on citrinin toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Sterilized corn was inoculated with Penicillium spp. and incubated.
• Corn was dried using two methods: air drying at room temperature (ADC) and oven drying at 60°C (ODC).
• Broiler chicks were fed corn with varying citrinin levels for 5 hours, with feed consumption, water intake, and excretion monitored.

Main Results:

• Citrinin content in corn did not significantly change after 12 months of storage, irrespective of the drying method.
• Water consumption and excretion in chicks increased proportionally with higher citrinin intake.
• No evidence of citrinin binding or conversion to unextractable forms was observed in oven-dried corn.

Conclusions:

• Drying methods and storage duration do not affect citrinin stability or toxicity in contaminated corn.
• Citrinin contamination poses a persistent risk in stored corn, impacting water balance in broiler chicks.
• Effective strategies are needed to mitigate citrinin contamination in animal feed to ensure poultry health and safety.