Mycotoxins in silage: checkpoints for effective management and control

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 603-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Dell’Orto ◽  
G. Baldi ◽  
F. Cheli

Silage has a substantial role in ruminant nutrition. Silages as a source of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins merit attention. Fungal growth and mycotoxin production before and during storage are a well-known phenomenon, resulting in reduced nutritional value and a possible risk factor for animal health. Mycotoxin co-contamination seems to be unavoidable under current agricultural and silage-making practices. Multi-mycotoxin contamination in silages is of particular concern due to the potential additive or synergistic effects on animals. In regard to managing the challenge of mycotoxins in silages, there are many factors with pre- and post-harvest origins to take into account. Pre-harvest events are predominantly dictated by environmental factors, whereas post-harvest events can be largely controlled by the farmer. An effective mycotoxin management and control programme should be integrated and personalised to each farm at an integrative level throughout the silage production chain. Growing crops in the field, silage making practices, and the feed out phase must be considered. Economical and straightforward silage testing is critical to reach a quick and sufficiently accurate diagnosis of silage quality, which allows for ‘in field decision-making’ with regard to the rapid diagnosis of the quality of given forage for its safe use as animal feed. Regular sampling and testing of silage allow picking up any variations in mycotoxin contamination. The use of rapid methods in the field represents future challenges. Moreover, a proper nutritional intervention needs to be considered to manage mycotoxin-contaminated silages. At farm level, animals are more often exposed to moderate amounts of several mycotoxins rather than to high levels of a single mycotoxin, resulting more frequently in non-specific digestive and health status impairment. Effective dietary strategies to promote rumen health, coupled with the administration of effective and broad-spectrum mycotoxin detoxifiers, are essential to minimise the negative impact of mycotoxins.

Author(s):  
Ana Laura NEACSU ◽  
Maria TOFANA

With a view to adopting a comprehensive, integrated "farm to table" approach, legislation must cover all aspects of the food production chain: primary production, processing, transport, distribution through to the sale or supply of food and feed. At all stages of this chain, the legal responsibility for ensuring the safety of foodstuffs rests with the operator and a similar system should apply to feed business operators. The White Paper on Food Safety emphasizes the need for a policy underpinned by a sound scientific basis and up-to-date legislation. The EU legislation is designed to restore consumer confidence in the wake of recent food-related crises, with all the interested parties having a part to play: the general public, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, trading partners and international trade organizations. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) enhances the current scientific and technical support system and its main task is to provide assistance and independent scientific advice, and to create a network geared to close cooperation with similar bodies in the Member States. The recent food crises have shown that it is necessary to improve the procedures relating to food safety. For this reason, the scope of the rapid alert system was extended to cover animal feed and to identify measures to be taken in emergencies and for crisis management. A Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health is also being set up to replace the existing committees


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
A. Mesfin ◽  
K. Tesfamariam ◽  
T. Belachew ◽  
S. De Saeger ◽  
C. Lachat ◽  
...  

Multi-mycotoxin exposure data are missing to guide risk assessment and legislation in Ethiopia. This study therefore aimed to determine mycotoxin contamination levels in maize samples from 176 randomly selected household storages in three agro ecological zones of South (Sidama zone) and West (Jimma zone) Ethiopia, and to examine the post-harvest practices and household processing. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify 23 mycotoxins. The majority of the households regularly consumed maize (more than once per day). More (77%) samples in Sidama were contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol than in Jimma (29%) (P<0.001); Similar distributions of fumonisin B1 (19%), fumonisin B2 (19%) and fumonisin B3 (12%, Sidama vs 13%, Jimma) contamination were observed (P>0.05). In Sidama, only one sample was contaminated with the Aspergillus mycotoxin aflatoxin B2 and another sample with aflatoxin B1. From all samples, 40% were contaminated with 3-5 types of Fusarium mycotoxins and only 4% of the samples were contaminated with 6-8 types of mycotoxins. After the harvested maize was dried on the field, the majority of respondents in Jimma reported that they removed the maize within one day, which was less practiced in Sidama. The majority of households in Sidama, and some in Jimma, reported that they dried maize before storage, mainly using the sun. Close to two third of the study participants in the two zones reported that they applied the chemical dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) during maize storage. All households in both zones reported that they sorted visible mouldy maize grains before preparation of maize flour while most of them kept the mouldy maize for animal feed. Protective strategies of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination, with special focus on deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, should be well promoted in the study areas as they are possible human and animal health threats.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 873
Author(s):  
Peyman Ziyaee ◽  
Vahid Farzand Ahmadi ◽  
Pourya Bazyar ◽  
Eugenio Cavallo

Fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are molds infecting food and animal feed, are responsible for aflatoxin contamination, and cause a significant problem for human and animal health. The detection of aflatoxin and aflatoxigenic fungi on raw material is a major concern to protect health, secure food and feed, and preserve their value. The effectiveness of image processing, combined with computational techniques, has been investigated to detect and segregate peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds infected with an aflatoxin producing fungus. After inoculation with Aspergillus flavus, images of peanuts seeds were taken using various lighting sources (LED, UV, and fluorescent lights) on two backgrounds (black and white) at 0, 48, and 72 h after inoculation. Images were post-processed with three different machine learning tools: the artificial neural network (ANN), the support vector machine (SVM), and the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to detect the Aspergillus flavus growth on peanuts. The results of the study show that the combination of LED light and a white background with ANN had 99.7% accuracy in detecting fungal growth on peanuts 72 h from infection with Aspergillus. Additionally, UV lights and a black background with ANFIS achieve 99.9% accuracy in detecting fungal growth on peanuts 48 h after their infection with Aspergillus.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Perczak ◽  
Piotr Goliński ◽  
Marcin Bryła ◽  
Agnieszka Waśkiewicz

Abstract Mycotoxins are produced by some fungal species of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium and are common contaminants of a wide range of food commodities. Numerous strategies are used to minimise fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination throughout the food chain. This review addresses the use of lactic acid bacteria, which can inhibit fungal growth and participate in mycotoxin degradation and/or removal from contaminated food. Being beneficial for human and animal health, lactic acid bacteria have established themselves as an excellent solution to the problem of mycotoxin contamination, yet in practice their application in removing mycotoxins remains a challenge to be addressed by future research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (41) ◽  
pp. 88-95
Author(s):  
ALEKSEY SEDOV ◽  

Currently used systems for normalized distribution of concentrated feed to animals based on volumetric dispensers have a number of disadvantages that reduce their functionality and efficiency of practical use. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in developing the concept and main components of a digital control system for the process of normalized distribution of concentrated animal feed with automatic weight portion dosing of individual doses. (Materials and methods) The article proposes the concept of a system for managing the process of normalized distribution of concentrated animal feed, which consists in automatic calculation of individual feed doses taking into account the weight of animals, monitoring productivity, lactation periods, milk and feed quality, and generating digital data corresponding to the calculated doses. (Results and discussion) The article presents the concept of building a digital system for managing the processes of normalized distribution of concentrated animal feed. The article presents its structure and technological scheme. Author developed functional and schematic diagrams of the basic components: a code converter to an analog pneumatic signal, a system for addressing pneumatic signals, a device for comparing moments of forces; algorithms for the functioning of the system and its unified basic components. (Conclusions) The automatic concentrate feeding system allows for more accurate and balanced feeding of each animal. The portion, weight normalized distribution of concentrated feed to animals according to the schedules established by the zootechnical services of enterprises contributes to the development of their genetic potential and the preservation of animal health. The power supply and control signals of individual mechatronic, weight, and portion dispensers have a single physical nature and level, which simplifies and increases the reliability of the “Ration” system.


2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.W. Zhang ◽  
Z.M. Ye ◽  
Y. Jin ◽  
S.Y. Wang ◽  
L.S. Zhang ◽  
...  

Mycotoxins have a significant impact on human and animal health as well as economy and international trade. A number of steps have been taken to minimise mycotoxin contamination worldwide. China, one of the largest importers and exporters of food and animal feed, has implemented management strategies to protect consumers from mycotoxins and ensure safe trading of food and feed. The development and status of these management strategies are of interest to many stakeholders, however, no comprehensive review of these strategies has been published to date. The objective of this article is to review these strategies, including associated regulations, risk assessments, contamination monitoring practices, and processes for the supervision and management of associated production, distribution and consumption chains. There are 49 mycotoxin-related regulations in China; these include maximum levels for seven mycotoxins, standard methods for detecting 17 mycotoxins, and a code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in cereals. Twelve mycotoxins found in daily food are covered by the Chinese contamination monitoring network. A new risk assessment organisation is required to systematically implement and manage food safety risk assessments in China. In addition, self-control by companies and daily supervisions and inspections by government departments are quite effective in preventing the consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated food and feed. This article provides information to all those who wish to understand more about the current safety management systems for combating mycotoxin contamination of food and feed in China.


2013 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Devreese ◽  
P. De Backer ◽  
S. Croubels

Mycotoxins can cause serious adverse effects on animal health. This may lead to great economic losses in animal husbandry. In this review, the most common methods to counteract mycotoxins are presented, including several pre- and post-harvest strategies as well as an overview of the different mycotoxin detoxifying agents. The current legislation regarding maximum, guidance or action levels of mycotoxin contamination in various feedstuffs is also mentioned. It allows the agricultural industry to interpret feed analysis results and to decide whether to undertake actions or not.


Author(s):  
MZ Hassan ◽  
MM Rahman ◽  
MZ Ali ◽  
MA Yousuf ◽  
S Akther ◽  
...  

Mycotoxins contamination of animal feeds remains a great concern for animal feed safety, public health and economic significance. It may occur in various foods and feeds stuffs from agricultural commodities to finished foods and feeds of animal. Hot, humid weather and late harvesting of grains favored the mold and fungal growth in cereal crops. There are around 400 types of mycotoxins in which aflatoxin, deoxyinalenol (vomitoxin), fumonisin, zearalenone and ochratoxins are important for animal and human foods. However, presence of mold or fungi in the grains does not mean that mycotoxins are present in feeds or foods. The acceptable level of aflatoxins, deoxyinalenol (vomitoxin), fumonisin, zearalenone and ochratoxins are in livestock feeds are 20 ppb, 10 ppm, 5 ppm and 3-10 ppm and 3-20 (μg/kg) respectively. Mycotoxins can be found in contaminated cereal grains, straw and silage. The most detrimental effects of mycotoxins are hepatic, digestive, immunological, reproductive disorders, teratogenicity, nephrotoxicity, edema and carcinogenicity etc. of animal and human being. Adsorbents and activated charcoal in animal feeds bind the toxic substances. There are some regulations but not in all countries aimed to prevent and control mycotoxins in industrial processed foods and animal feeds but not in locally processed ones. A number of strategies in some countries for preventing mycotoxins have been mobilized but the awareness for implementation is very weak. Mass media can play an important role to build awareness to mycotoxin. Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 1-9, 2018


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-551 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.W. Zhang ◽  
X.D. Deng ◽  
X.P. Yu ◽  
X.F. Pei ◽  
G.M. Fu ◽  
...  

Fusarium mycotoxins, such as trichothecenes, zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins, are widely distributed in grain and animal feed and cause hazards to human and animal health. China, one of the largest producers of agricultural products and animal feed, constantly faces challenges in preventing and controlling Fusarium mycotoxins. The recent status of Fusarium mycotoxins in grain and feed is of interest to many stakeholders; however, no comprehensive review of this has been published to date. The objective of this article is to review the recent situation in China, including the contamination situation, its (probable) main causes and the updated regulations. Every district of China has been affected by Fusarium mycotoxin contamination to varying degrees, with the most seriously affected districts being East China, Central China and North China. The incidence rates of deoxynivalenol and ZEA were higher than those of other Fusarium mycotoxins in both grain and feed samples. It has been suggested that deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside should undergo the risk assessment and the development of a related legal limit in China. Among the multiple causes of Fusarium mycotoxin occurrence in China, geography and climate and the variable characteristics of plants are probably the two important causes. The latest legal limits for Fusarium mycotoxins in food were promulgated in 2011, and the legal limits in feed are in the process of being revised. This article aims to provide information for promoting an understanding of the recent situation and the challenges for combating Fusarium mycotoxin contamination of grain and feed in China.


2022 ◽  
Vol 78 (03) ◽  
pp. 6623-2022
Author(s):  
EWELINA PATYRA ◽  
KRZYSZTOF KWIATEK

Animal feeds are routinely subject to contamination from diverse sources, including environmental pollution, activities of microbes, and veterinary drug residues. Contamination of feed with chemical substances such as coccidiostats or antibiotics can occur at the stage of production, transport and storage, and their presence may have a negative impact on the health of animals consuming feed contaminated with certain chemicals. This study presents the legal requirements for the production of feed, the presence of antimicrobial substances in feed, and the problem of contamination of feed with antibacterial substances as well as the possible transfer of these compounds to the animal tissues and the natural environment.


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