Corn Silage Showing High Levels of Mycotoxins
Corn silage samples from across the country are showing extremely high levels of mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON), type A trichothecenes (T-2), fusaric acid and fumonisin.
That’s according to samples analyzed by Alltech. Corn crops grown in mono-cropping, reduced or no-till systems seem particularly vulnerable. Barlage and haylage samples are also showing multiple mycotoxins this year, including DON, T-2, fusaric acid and fumonisin. Corn grain samples are showing signs of DON, fusaric acid and fumonisin.
“Understanding the risk of mycotoxins and combinations of mycotoxins, even at lower levels, allows livestock owners and managers to institute a management program for optimum performance and health,” says Max Hawkins, a nutritionist with Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management Team.
Testing feedstuffs as soon as possible is the first step in knowing if you have a potential problem with this year’s crop. The next step is working with your nutritionist to develop a plan to mitigate any problems that you have.