Molds and Mycotoxins - Mycotoxin Levels and Interpretation

• Fusarium fungus produces Deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin), Zearalenone, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, Fumonisin and Nivalenol.

• Note that results may be expressed in a number of different ways. Therefore remember; ppm = mg/kg = ug/g. Some results may be expressed as ppb; 1,000 ppb = 1 ppm. Always check the dry matter basis on which the results are given - many cases this is as-fed. Correct for moisture level; divide by the decimal dry matter. eg. 1 ppm on 30% dry matter basis is 1 / 0.3 = 3.3 ppm DM.

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada guidelines for DON (Vomitoxin) in animal feeds are:

  • pigs, calves, lambs, lactating cows and lactating ewes, 1 ppm in the diet,

  • adult cattle, adult sheep and poultry, 5 ppm in the diet.

• FDA guidelines for DON (Vomitoxin) in feeds in the US are:

  • 10 ppm in grains and by-products fed to chickens, ruminating beef and feedlot cattle older than 4 months. Maximum ingredient level 50% of total ration. (ie. 5 ppm in the final ration).

  • 5 ppm in ingredients for swine with a maximum inclusion rate of 20% of total ration. (ie. 1 ppm in the final ration).

  • 5 ppm in ingredients for all other animals with a maximum inclusion of 40% of the ration. (ie. 2 ppm in the final ration).

• Penn State University guidelines on mycotoxin levels in feeds

  Mycotoxin
  Concern Potentially Harmful Level Cattle Swine ppm ppm ppm DON/Vomitoxin
  Major ingredient 0.56 2.0 - 4.0 0.8 - 1.4 TRDM 0.56 1.0 - 2.0
  0.6 - 1.0 Zearalenone Major ingredient 0.56 5.6 - 10.0 1.1 -
  5.6 TRDM 0.56 3.9 - 7.0 0.6 - 3.9 T-2 Toxin TRDM 0.25 0.7 - 1.5
  0.7 - 1.5 HT-2 Toxin TRDM 0.25 1.5 - 3.0 1.5 - 3.0 Fumonisin
  TRDM (cattle) 5.0 8.0 - 10.0

• Notes on the Penn State University table:

  • All levels are given on 100% dry matter basis

  • TRDM = total ration dry matter

  • Concern level: Indicates favourable conditions for mycotoxin production. May require further testing, especially if moderate symptoms are present. Limit the amount of suspect feed fed if performance and/or health symptoms persist. Discontinue use if severe production decreases occur and/or acute clinical symptoms appear.

  • Potentially Harmful: Mycotoxins at these levels suggest toxin involvement in depressed performance and/or acute clinical symptoms. Discontinue feeding, at least temporarily, sample and test.

  
  

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