Mycotoxin Contamination in Brazilian Corn harvested in 2020

Corn from the two 2020 harvests was found to have low to medium levels of five mycotoxins: AFB1, FB1, ZEA, DON and NIV (multiple mycotoxin contamination). The possible synergism, or additive effect of mycotoxins, also needs to be considered. Multiple mycotoxins at low to medium levels can have negative effects on animal health, reproduction and performance.

Based on the results of this survey, the 2020 Brazilian corn crop should not automatically be considered safe for inclusion in finished feed rations for all animal species. Special attention should be paid to the medium-level average concentration of FB1 (1275 μg/kg), which was found in 80% of the samples, with a maximum concentration of 16,614 μg/kg. According to the risk assessment table, the average DON and NIV level pose a low to medium risk to sensitive animals as piglets, sows, boars and horses. AFB1 was detected at an average of 6 μg/kg, which represents a medium risk for dairy cows. ZEA levels were low, indicating a low risk to animal health and performance.

In view of the detected mycotoxins and their levels, there is a greater probability of observing negative effects of the mycotoxin cocktail (FB1, AFB1, ZEA, DON and NIV) when rations are made of more than 50% corn.

The results of Adisseo’s 2020 analysis of newly harvested corn in Brazil show that, in terms of mycotoxin contamination, the quality of this year’s harvest is cause for concern. However, supplementing animal feed with Mycotoxin Management products is an effective strategy for preventing the negative effects of mycotoxins on animal health and performance.

The key outcomes are:

Mycotoxin contamination in newly harvested grain is a very important parameter to consider. That grain is used to feed the animals for the whole year, until the next harvest. As the saying goes, “knowing the enemy is half the battle won.” In turn, if we know the level of contamination, we can think about the best use of the wheat: to which animal species can it be fed (avoiding the more sensitive species in cases of high contamination or decreasing the level of wheat in their diet) and which MycoMan Program product should be used to decrease the possible negative effects of contamination on animal performance and health. Read the complete harvest bulletin here