2006 Corn Ear Mould - Key Messages

Table of Contents

1. Key Messages - November 22, 2006
2. Key Messages - October 18, 2006

2006 Corn Ear Mould - Updated Key Messages for Corn and Livestock Producers - November 14, 2006

1. There are potentially high levels of mycotoxins present in the 2006 corn crop, especially in south-western Ontario. Livestock producers need to be cautious when purchasing and feeding this year's corn and corn byproducts.
   There are many different types of mycotoxins and there is the potential for interaction amongst some of these different types. The presence of vomitoxin, also known as Deoxynivalenol (DON), can negatively impact animal health and performance depending on its concentration. Vomitoxin is commonly used as a marker or indicator for the presence of other mycotoxins in feed. Producers who experience feed and animal performance problems may need to test for other mycotoxins or re-test for vomitoxin as there can be variation between samples taken from within the same field. Other possible causes of reduced health/performance should also be ruled out.

2. Producers should prioritize their corn harvest and storage.
   If there is crop corn from last year still left on the farm it is important that it be stored separately from potentially mouldy corn from this year's harvest. Livestock producers, especially hog producers, will want to scout fields, sample, and test for mycotoxins in order to store and segregate their cleanest corn for feeding purposes.
   
   For cash crop producers, keeping clean corn segregated from mouldy corn may result in some increased marketing opportunities over the upcoming months.

3. There are health risks associated with working with mouldy crops.
   Workers should take precautions to avoid breathing in dust containing mould and mycotoxins. Elevated levels of mycotoxins in the grain may increase this health risk.

   Work in a well ventilated area and use protective equipment such as gloves, masks, etc. to limit your exposure.
   

4. As a general rule, harvest infected fields early and dry the corn down below 18%.
   Mycotoxin levels have the potential to build the longer you leave the corn in the field. Once corn moisture is below 18%, mould fungi become dormant and ceases to produce mycotoxins. High temperature drying stops mould growth and mycotoxin production but does not reduce mycotoxins already present. Quick drying is preferred over low heat drying. Low temperature in bin dryers may not stop the growth of mould. Be sure proper ventilation requirements are met for storing dry corn.
   

5. Samples of all corn should be analyzed at harvest and before feeding to determine the levels of mycotoxin present.
   Testing of the individual feed ingredients is thought to be more accurate than testing of the final or complete diet/ration. The concentrations in the final feed can then be calculated.
   

6. Discuss grain testing with your feed supplier when purchasing feed. Find out if the feed ingredients have been tested and what the results were.
   When purchasing untested grain, livestock producers should purchase grain conditionally based on the results of testing. Pay attention to the minimum level of detection of the test, as test results are never given as zero.
   

7. There may be variations in animal tolerance to mycotoxin levels.
   The effects of mycotoxin on livestock vary depending on a number of factors including the concentration of mycotoxin, the animal species, the age of the animals, stress factors such as health challenges, and high levels of production. Suspect feed can be tested on a small group of animals in order to determine its effect. Be prepared to withdraw feed if effects are observed.

8. Generally accepted levels of vomitoxins for livestock diets are:
   For young growing pigs or prepubertal gilts the recommended maximum level is <0.5 ppm.
   
   For adult pigs, calves, lactating cows, rabbits, horses, goats, lambs and lactating ewes the recommended maximum level is 1 ppm.
   
   For adult cattle, adult sheep and poultry, the maximum level is set at 5 ppm.
   
   Additional species specific information is available at www.ontario.ca/livestock.

   1. There are four options for livestock producers to manage high levels of mycotoxins in their corn:

      1. Dilute infected corn or silages down to safe feeding levels by selecting companion ingredients that have no or very low levels of toxins - such as clean corn, barley, oats or wheat or alternative feeds such as bakery waste, brewers grains, etc. Be cautious with corn byproducts as the levels of vomitoxin may be concentrated at higher levels than the original grain.

      2. Consult with your feed company or nutritionist about feed additives. There are no products presently available to get rid of mycotoxins but there are some feed additives that can help by binding some of the mycotoxins.

      3. Increase the nutrient density of your rations. By fortifying diets with higher levels of protein, energy and minerals some of the poorer animal performance may be offset.

      4. Clean feed before storage and, if possible, before feeding to screen out fines. Workers should take appropriate precautions to avoid skin exposure or breathing in dust containing mould and mycotoxins.

For more information, visit the OMAFRA website at www.ontario.ca/livestock and click on the corn moulds and mycotoxins button.

Staff are also available to answer questions related to moulds and mycotoxins at
1-877-424-1300.

Producers who suspect ear mould damage to their corn crop should contact Agricorp at
1-888-247-4999.

Key Messages - October 18, 2006

1. Weather conditions have the potential to increase ear mould in the general 2006 corn crop. These moulds have the ability to produce mycotoxins which can be harmful to livestock, especially hogs, if consumed. Producers need to be vigilant and assess their risk.
   
   
2. Producers should be actively scouting fields to assess the amount of ear mould present. Grain kernels with pink or reddish moulds are particularly problematic.
   
   Suspect samples should be tested for toxins, especially Deoxynivalenol (DON), prior to storage and feeding. If necessary, feed corn with higher levels of DON to less sensitive livestock species such as beef cattle or poultry. On occasion, mycotoxins may be present at levels unacceptable for some rations even if visual mould growth appears quite low.
   
   

3. Producers should prioritize their corn harvest and storage.
   
   If there is 2005 crop corn still left on the farm it is important that it be stored separately from potentially mouldy corn from this year's harvest. Livestock producers, especially hog producers, will want to scout fields, sample, and test for mycotoxins in order to store and segregate their cleanest corn for feeding purposes.
   
   For cash crop producers, keeping clean corn segregated from mouldy corn may result in some increased marketing opportunities over the upcoming months.

4. It is important to recognize there are health risks associated with working with mouldy crops.
   
   Workers should take precautions to avoid breathing in dust containing mould and mycotoxins. Elevated levels of mycotoxins in the grain may increase this health risk.

   Work in a well ventilated area and use protective equipment such as gloves, masks, etc.` to limit your exposure.

5. As a general rule, harvest infected fields early.
   
   Mycotoxin levels have the potential to build the longer you leave the corn in the field. Once corn moisture is below 18%, mould fungi become dormant and ceases to produce mycotoxins. High temperature drying stops mould growth and mycotoxin production but does not reduce mycotoxins already present. Quick drying is preferred over low heat drying. Be wary of low temperature in bin dryers for mouldy corn and be sure proper ventilation requirements are met for storing dry corn.

6. Leave tip kernels attached to the cob if possible by running the combine at full capacity with concave settings open and cylinder speed set low.
   
   Screens on the bottom of the grain elevator, the bottom of the return elevator and on the unload auger will also help screen out the fines. Set the combine to provide high levels of wind to blow out the lighter infected kernels.

   Gibberella (F. graminearum) infection results in lower kernel stability, resulting in higher incidence of mycotoxins in fines (kernel tips and red dog) and cob pieces. Additional post-combine grain cleaning with rotary screen type cleaners has been shown to be effective in reducing mycotoxin levels in the remaining grain. This method has the most significant impact on grain samples with low to moderate mycotoxin levels.
   

7. Early identification and reporting is required in order for Agricorp to monitor crop progress and adjudicate insurance claims.
   

   Producers who suspect ear mould damage to their corn crop should contact Agricorp at
   1-888-247-4999.

   For more information, visit the OMAFRA website at www.ontario.ca/crops and click on the adverse weather link.

   The Agricultural Information Contact Centre can be reached by phone at 1-877-424-1300 where staff are available to answer questions related to corn ear moulds and mycotoxins.
   

Related Links

• Adverse Weather

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