At the University of Alberta, researchers have found a way to decontaminate grain damaged by mycotoxins, while also boosting seed germination. They
Tag Archives mycotoxins
Cold plasma tapped as grain mycotoxin solution
The fourth state of matter (in its cold form) could be coming to a malt house or feedlot near you
Mycotoxin situation returns in 2023
The good news is that it wasn’t as bad as other years
Before the planter or drill rolls into a field, there’s hope that rain and sun will be timely and sufficient, that weeds, diseases and insects will be minimal and commodity prices will provide the right finish to the growing season. Then reality sets in. That’s the scenario in most years and 2023 was no different. […] Read more
Mycotoxin risk elevated due to wet growing season
Livestock producers need to be vigilant, says ministry, nutritionist
As wet weather continues to delay fall harvest on Ontario farms, livestock producers and their nutrition advisors are watching for signs of elevated mycotoxins in their feed. Results from the 2023 Corn Ear Mould survey from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirm there’s cause for concern. Why it matters: Elevated mycotoxins […] Read more
Managing mycotoxins reduces livestock risk
Dairy cattle usually are affected by multiple mycotoxins when levels reach a damaging threshold in feed
Mycotoxins create havoc on livestock farms, and the concern mostly comes from Gibberella ear rot in corn and corresponding levels of deoxynivalenol (DON). However, there’s a whole realm of mycotoxins out there in crops that can affect livestock. In dairy cows, too much mycotoxin exposure means serious impacts on feeding and gestation. In poultry and […] Read more
Corn moulds, mycotoxins below provincial average
Local conditions should be considered when evaluating risk
The annual Ontario Grain Corn Ear Mould and Deoxynivalenol (DON) Mycotoxin Survey found that 98 per cent of samples tested low, at less than two parts per million, for DON. Also known as vomitoxin, DON is produced primarily by gibberella/fusarium ear moulds and can be disruptive when fed to livestock, especially hogs. Corn ear moulds […] Read more
Province sees average year for corn ear moulds, mycotoxins
Annual survey shows 89 per cent OK to feed livestock
Mycotoxin and ear mould levels in this year’s Ontario corn crop are in line with long-term averages, says the annual survey of corn in the province. The survey is conducted by OMAFRA field crop specialists with help from Grain Farmers of Ontario and members of the Ontario Agri-Business Association. Mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON) are especially […] Read more
Accidental discovery could be a mycotoxin game-changer
AAFC scientists discovered an enzyme that converts fumonisin mycotoxins into a non-toxic form
An enzyme that makes some mycotoxins less deadly has been discovered by a team of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists at the London Research and Development Centre in London, Ont. Why it matters: Mycotoxin contamination in crops can have a huge economic impact for farmers and biofuel producers, and ingestion by humans or livestock […] Read more
Researchers develop a quick test for DON
Science Notes: Innovation could reduce toxins harmful to both animals and humans
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre (CDC) have developed a fast and accurate method for identifying and quantifying toxins in fusarium-infected cereal grain, an innovation that could reduce toxins that are harmful to both animals and humans. It could also help farmers who have struggled with trusting the toxin tests of buyers. […] Read more
Where did all the DON corn go?
Most infected corn in Ontario has now been flushed to markets in ethanol and around the world, mostly at discounted prices
Last year’s deoxynivalenol (DON)-infected corn crop has been successfully sold and shipped — albeit at discounted returns for farmers. The specific destinations of that corn, discounts endured by producers and timing of sales have varied. Why it matters: The past six months show large volumes of vomitoxin-infected corn can be moved despite reduced returns for […] Read more
The DON year and dairy feed
Dairy farmers have had to manage higher mycotoxin levels in feed after last harvest. Here’s how they did it
Dairy farmers faced challenges dealing with mould in corn in 2018, as crop farmers dealt with the widespread DON outbreak. Dairy animals can manage mould levels in small doses but once levels reach a certain point, the feed becomes toxic. Why it matters: Mouldy feeds can typically cause performance losses of five to 10 per […] Read more
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