The occurrence of zearalenone in domestic grains

The occurrence of zearalenone had not been tested n Czechoslovakia; out of a number of analytic procedures for the determination of this mycotoxin in grains and some feed mixtures, the method described by Mirocha et al. (1974) was chosen for this study. The tests were performed with 61 samples of grain and 22 samples of other feeds. In barley 58.3% of the samples were positive in the range from 0.19 to 0.82 micromol.kg-1 in wheat 46.4% of samples in the range from 0.19 to 0.57 micromol. kg-1, in maize 6.7% of samples, containing 0.33 mumol.kg-1. Oat samples contained no zearalenone. The positive findings in the samples of the commercial mixtures COS 1, COS 2, SOL and KPB ranged from 0.19 to 0.32 mumol. kg-1. Zearalenone concentrations above 0.32 mumol. kg-1 were found in seven samples of wheat, in four samples of barley, in one sample of maize and in one sample of complete feed mixture for early-weaned piglets. The described method is recommended for screening examination of grains for zearalenone in Czechoslovakia.     

Potential Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A Production by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus</Emphasis> Species in Poultry Feed Processing

Poultry feeds are prone to fungal growth and mycotoxin production during processing. The identification of biota with the ability to produce mycotoxins is essential. The aims of this study were (1) to monitor the mycobiota counts at different stages of poultry feed processing; (2) to determine the occurrence of Aspergillus species; (3) to evaluate the natural incidence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. The ability of Aspergillus spp. and its teleomorphs isolated here to produce these toxins was also investigated. Samples (144) were collected at random from a factory in Brazil. The occurrence of Aspergillus and Eurotium species was demonstrated on DRBC and DG18 media and the production of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A and their natural incidence were determined by TLC and HPLC methods. A. flavus and E. chevalieri were the most prevalent species isolated. Fungal contamination was not found after the pelleting process, though Aspergillus and Eurotium species were recovered from trough samples. High levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A producers were found at all stages of poultry feed processing. Also, high natural contamination with aflatoxins and ochratoxin A was found in the samples. Contact of feed with remainder poultry feed could lead to fungal contamination, so the risk of aflatoxin and/or ochratoxin A contamination of feed must be taken into account.     

Ochratoxin A in swine blood used for evaluation of cereal handling procedures

In a survey during the years 1985, 1986 and 1987 the quality of Swedish feeding grain was followed by the analysis of ochratoxin A in blood collected from swine at slaughter. The swine herds sampled were selected on feed handling procedures used. From information about the feed used, risk parameters for ochratoxin A contamination were identified. The results showed annual variation in the content of ochratoxin A in the grain and that ochratoxin A increased during storage of grain, particularly in the harvest of 1985. Drying of the grain with forced ambient air was found to be inferior to the use of heated forced air. It was also noticed that more than 9% of the grain was contaminated with ochratoxin A regardless of handling. The pronounced difference between the samples studied was seen mainly as a function of geographical origin, with the island of Gotland having a much higher frequency of positive samples than the rest of Sweden. No correlation between ochratoxin A in swine feed and post mortem signs of infectious diseases in the swine herds was found.     

16种植物性饲料原料中黄曲霉毒素B1、T-2毒素、赭曲霉毒素A、伏马毒素(B1+B2)污染调查检测及控制建议

为掌握黄曲霉毒素B1、T-2毒素、赭曲霉毒素A、伏马毒素(B1+B2)在植物性饲料原料中的污染状况,指导帮助饲料企业和养殖企业开展霉菌毒素防控,降低霉菌毒素对饲料产品质量及畜禽养殖产品危害,减少经济损失,2020年对16种60份植物性饲料原料进行调查采样,采用液相色谱—串联质谱法、免疫亲和柱净化—高效液相色谱法检测,依...     

The occurrence of aflatoxins in some components and complete feed mixtures for pigs]

The feed components and complete feed mixtures used in pig breeding and fattening in June 1978 were examined qualitatively by the silica-gel thin-layer chromatographic method, and quantitatively by the method after Velasco. The object of the examination was the occurrence of aflatoxins. On the whole, 104 feed samples were taken and subjected to the laboratory examination; this total number included 77 samples (74.0%) coming from 24 farms and 27 samples (26.0%) from eight feed plants in the South Moravian region. The presence of aflatoxins was detected in 14 samples of the examined feeds, i. e. 13.4%. The highest content -- 1920 micrograms kg-1 -- was found in groundnut from India. As to the complete feed mixtures, aflatoxin was found in mixtures for pig fattening (A1 and SOL), in mixtures for pregnant sows (KPB), for lactating sows (KPK), and in the complete feed mixtunts ranged between 50 and 350 micrograms kg-1 of feed. The organoleptically altered feed samples, taken from metallic containers standing in front of the stables on the farms, contained aflatoxin almost in all cases. It will be necessary, on the basis of these findings, to take preventive measures during the harvesting, post-harvest treatment, and storage of grain and feed components, in order to avert the multiplication of the mould and deterioration of the feeds.     

Studies on some feed additives and materials giving partial protection against the suppressive effect of ochratoxin A on egg production of laying hens

The protective effects of various feed supplements against the harmful effect of ochratoxin A on egg production and sexual maturation of two-weeks old Plymouth Rock female chicks designed for laying hens were studied. A significant protective effect of the feed additives or materials: water extract of artichoke (WEA), sesame seed (SS), Roxazyme-G (RG) and l-β phenylalanine (PHE) against the suppressive effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) on egg production of laying hens was found. A similar protection was also seen on the toxic effect of OTA on various internal organs of the same hens. A significant protection was found against the decrease of the weight or the quantity of eggs as well as against the delay of the beginning of the laying period of chicks, both of which were provoked by ochratoxin A. These protective effects were strongest in chicks treated with SS or WEA, but were slightest in chicks treated with l-β PHE.     

Ochratoxin A in blood of slaughter pigs

The global ochratoxin A contamination of Swedish feed cereals was studied by analysis of pig blood samples from 122 different herds. The samples were collected at seven Swedish slaughterhouses. The ochratoxin A analysis showed 21% of the samples to contain greater than or equal to 2 ng ochratoxin A per ml. Samples from Visby showed a significantly higher frequency of contamination compared with the rest of the country.     

Mycotoxins and reproduction in domestic livestock.

Molds are parasitic plants that are ubiquitous in livestock feedstuffs. Even though molds themselves reduce the quality of grains, their synthesis of chemical substances termed mycotoxins causes the greatest monetary loss to the animal industry. Five major mycotoxins that impair growth and reproductive efficiency in North America are aflatoxins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin, and ergot. Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Consumption of grains containing aflatoxins by swine affects reproduction indirectly by reducing feed intake and growth. In swine, aflatoxins impair liver and kidney function, delay blood clotting, increase susceptibility to bruising, and interfere with cellular humoral immune systems. Ruminants are comparatively resistant to aflatoxicosis, but presence of aflatoxins in milk of dairy cows is closely monitored for human safety. Depending on environmental conditions, Fusarium roseum can produce either zearalenone or deoxynivalenol. Days 7 to 10 postmating seem to be a critical period of gestation for zearalenone to exert its detrimental actions on early embryonic development. Presence of deoxynivalenol in swine feedstuffs decreases feed intake, causes feed refusal, and induces occasional vomiting. Several species of Penicillium and Aspergillus produce ochratoxin, a mycotoxin that causes necrosis of kidney tissue. Ergot alkaloids produced by Claviceps purpurea on wheat can cause reproductive problems and are associated with lactational failure in swine. Various methods have been developed to remove mycotoxins from infected feedstuffs. Chemical analyses in laboratories as well as diagnostic kits suitable for use at the elevator or farm can be used successfully to identify which mycotoxins are present in suspect feedstuffs.     

Occurrence of mycotoxins in Polish animal feed in years 2006-2009

We performed a 4‐year survey (2006–2009, 1255 samples) of fungal secondary metabolites in feed material (cereal and corn grains) and feedstuffs (silages, mixed feeds). Five major mycotoxin groups were studied, including aflatoxins (AF), ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes [deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T‐2 toxin, HT‐2 toxin], zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins (FUM). The metabolites were identified using HPLC methods with fluorescent, UV and MS/MS detection. Both immunoaffinity and SPE columns were used for sample preparation. In eleven samples, the concentration of several mycotoxins exceeded the recommended guidelines for feedstuffs. DON was detected at the highest concentration in the majority of analysed samples (cereal grains, silages and mixed feeds, maximum values ranged from 409 to 14 470 ng/g). Corn grains also contained other Fusarium toxins (FUM) at maximum levels ranging from 435 to 9409 ng/g. The highest average_positive concentration of the other trichothecenes (NIV, T‐2 and HT‐2 toxins) was <5.0–139 ng/g. ZEA was found at the highest concentration in corn grains and silages (maximum values ranging from 292 to 603 ng/g and 116 to 1150 ng/g, respectively). The highest average_positive concentration and the maximum level of OTA were detected in cereal grains (33.0 ng/g in 2009 and 760 ng/g in 2007, respectively). Less than 7% of the 557 samples were contaminated with AF at low levels (maximum of 0.61 ng/g). Our results support the need for further monitoring of mycotoxins in Polish feedstuffs and their components.     

Exposure of game birds to ochratoxin A through supplemental feeds.

Thirty randomly selected game bird feeders were sampled at 25-33-day intervals from November 1996 to March 1997 to quantitate ochratoxin A concentrations in supplemental feed. Monthly mean ochratoxin A concentration of grain in feeders was 8.3 +/- 0.8 ppb (n = 167). Ochratoxin A concentrations from individual feeders ranged from <5 to 109.9 ppb, levels that have not been demonstrated to negatively affect game birds in a laboratory environment. Stress may increase the chance of ochratoxin-induced mortality or morbidity for wild game birds. Only mean relative humidity was significantly correlated with monthly mean ochratoxin A concentration.     

Use of the radioimmunologic determination of ochratoxin A mycotoxin in the screening of foods and animal feed of plant origin--cereal type

Trials were conducted to verify a simple procedure of preparing food and feed samples of plant origin for the radioimmunological assay of ochratoxin A. All 27 food samples subjected to testing met the general hygienic regulations for foods (NPK - ochratoxin A 20 micrograms.kg-1), and so did all 23 samples of the tested feeds. The proposed method of sample preparation is not suitable for the examination of animal-origin foods because some proteins (albumin) might interfere.     

Mycotoxins as a risk factor for the origin of diseases and production decreases in swine facilities--an epidemiologic study]

Feed samples checked for the mycotoxins zearalenone and ochratoxin A from the harvest 1987 were positive at a markedly higher percentage (37.5%) compared to previous years, which is explained by the especially unfavourable harvesting conditions of 1987. In certain herd problems affecting the digestive or respiratory tract, mycotoxins could be detected with a much higher frequency (64.7% and 50.0% respectively). The mean level detected in feed samples by thin layer chromatography ranged within 30.3 ppb for zearalenone and within 58.3 ppb for ochratoxin A. In most cases there was a history of infertility. Considering the clinical situation, which is presented comparatively in herds with positive mycotoxin results, the possible involvement of mycotoxins in the disease, even at very low concentrations, is pointed out. In this context, zearalenone is incriminated of being an indicator of a multitoxic process besides its own direct effects. According to own experiences low levels of zearalenone in the range of 20-50 ppb in the feed have to be considered hazardous. If changing of pig feed in cases of herd problems will be recommended, a level of less than 10 ppb of zearalenone, especially in sow and piglet rations, should not be exceeded. Same may be valid to ochratoxin A.     

A screening method for simultaneous immunochemical detection of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in cereals and feed]

An immunochemical method was proposed for simultaneous determination of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A with the use of mixed solutions of the following reagents: standards of both mycotoxins, antiserums against the mycotoxins, and radioligands of 125I-aflatoxin B1 and 125I-ochratoxin A. The result of the analytical procedure is the value of concentration of the aflatoxin + ochratoxin A sum in the sample. The procedure needs half the amount of reagents as separate determination of each of the two mycotoxin, and is far less laborious. The proposed simultaneous immunoanalysis is suitable for large-are inspection of grain and feed safety from the viewpoint of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A levels.     

抽样调查北京地区猪场饲料及饲料原料赭曲霉毒素A污染状况

本研究旨在采用免疫亲和柱高效液相色谱法测定北京地区猪场饲料及饲料原料中赭曲霉毒素A(OTA)的含量,以了解北京地区饲料中OTA污染情况。试验抽样采集北京市昌平区、大兴区、延庆区、平谷区、顺义区5个区县15个猪场131份饲料样[玉米14份、豆粕11份、麸皮13份、干酒糟及其可溶物(DDGS)17份、猪全价配合饲料76份]进行OTA含量的测定。结果表明:玉米、豆粕、麸皮和DDGS中OTA的检出率分别为92.86%、63.64%、76.92%和100.00%,平均含量分别为22.12、10.81、7.78和22.46μg/kg,仅发现玉米中OTA含量超标,超标率为7.14%。乳猪料、仔猪料、中猪料、大猪料、怀孕母猪料和哺乳母猪料中OTA的检出率分别为100.00%、85.70%、85.70%、94.44%、90.00%和100.00%,平均含量分别为4.39、15.74、11.66、13.07、47.75和15.40μg/kg,仅发现怀孕母猪料中OTA含量超标,超标率为20.00%,其他配合饲料中OTA含量均较低。综上所述,不同饲料或饲料原料中OTA含量存在差异,本调研结果发现玉米和怀孕母猪料中OTA含量部分超标,其他猪全价配合饲料及饲料原料中OTA含量均未超标。     

Effects of mould and toxin contaminated barley on laying hens performance and health.

Moulded and mycotoxin containing barley was incorporated into the diets for laying hens to study the effects on performance and health. Health indicators were different blood plasma parameters and liver vitamin A and E levels. A total of 30 hens were fed 3 diets, one supplemented with 30% of toxin-free and two with differently moulded barley from 1997 and 1998 for 7 weeks. The moulded diets contained low to moderate concentrations of ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. Inclusion of mouldy barley in the diets had an adverse effect on feed intake, feed conversion, digestibility of nutrients, egg production and egg quality. Plasma alkaline phosphatase was increased and certain biochemical blood parameters (bilirubin, uric acid, chlorine, protein, albumin, vitamin A) were also higher or changed compared to control. The ochratoxin A contamination although relatively low could have contributed to some of these effects as well as reduced intake of feed. The higher mould contamination and an unidentified cell-toxic constituent in the diet containing barley from 1998 can probably also explain the more marked effects from this diet.     

Survey of pigs' kidneys with lesions consistent with PMWS and PDNS and ochratoxicosis. Part 1: concentrations and prevalence of ochratoxin A

One thousand condemned pigs' kidneys were collected in February 2002 from two pig abattoirs in England to assess the possible contribution of ochratoxicosis to postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS); 250 of the kidneys with macroscopic lesions consistent with nephrosis/nephritis (pale or white cortical lesions) were selected, and the concentration of ochratoxin A was measured in samples of renal cortex by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Low concentrations were detected in 230 (92 per cent) of the kidneys tested, and in 41 (16.4 per cent) of them the concentration was below the limit of quantification of 0.2 microg/kg. In 187 (74.8 per cent) of the kidneys, the concentration was more than 0.2 microg/kg, and the highest concentration detected was 2.3 microg/kg. The mean (sd) concentration was 0.31 (0.33) microg/kg. The identification of ochratoxin A was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The concentrations of ochratoxin A did not exceed the threshold assessed by the Food Standards Agency to be safe for human food.     

陕南关中地区饲料霉菌毒素污染调查与风险监测

2011-2012年三原、渭南、汉中等地因霉菌素污染造成仔猪腹泻死亡,为此对陕南、关中地区的部分饲料加工企业的饲料用玉米、仔猪配合料、育肥猪配合饲料、母猪配合饲料中的黄曲霉毒素B1、呕吐霉素、赭曲霉毒素进行了抽样调查和风险摸底监测。100批次样品全部采用酶联免疫快速试剂盒检测,检测结果显示,黄曲霉毒素B1的检出率为72．37％,超标率为4％;赭曲霉毒素虽未超标,但检出率高达48．48％;呕吐毒素的检出率最高,高达96．97％,超标率高达529,6,是所有产品中污染率和污染程度最高的。调查结果表明：我省陕南、关中地区的饲料中脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇毒素的污染较为严重,黄曲霉毒素次之,赭曲霉毒素的污染相对较低。并对饲料科学管理防潮通风等提出建议。     

Ochratoxin a contamination of cereal grains and coffee in Hungary in the year 2001

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin, a secondary metabolite produced by mould fungi belonging to several Aspergillus and Penicillium species. It is formed during the storage of cereal grains and other plant-derived products. OTA ingested by humans and animals with the food or feed may exert deleterious effects on health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ochratoxin contamination of the most important potential sources of OTA. The OTA content of cereal samples for human consumption (36 baking wheat, 16 wheat flour and 6 maize coarse meal samples) and feed grain samples (30 feeding wheat, 32 feeding maize and 20 feeding barley samples) collected in the mid-phase or at the end of the storage period and of 50 commercial coffee samples was determined. The analyses were performed by immunoaffinity column--high-performance liquid chromatography (IAC-HPLC). The limit of detection of the method was 0.1 ng/g. Of the wheat samples intended for human consumption, 8.3% contained OTA at 0.29 ng/g on the average (OTA ranges: 0.12-0.5 ng/g; Table 2). The OTA contamination of wheat flour and maize meal samples for human consumption was similar to that of the baking wheat samples. OTA contamination was found in 26.7% of the feeding wheat, 15.6% of the feeding maize and 35% of the feeding barley samples. The average values and the ranges of OTA levels found in the above samples were 12.2 and 0.3-62.8 ng/g, 4.9 and 1.9-8.3 ng/g, and 72 and 0.14-212 ng/g, respectively (Table 3). Sixty-six percent of the coffee samples were contaminated with OA (average level: 0.57 ng/g, ranges: 0.17-1.3 ng/g; Table 4). OTA contamination of baking wheat samples was found to be relatively low, presumably as a result of the favourable weather at harvest and the optimal storage conditions. Calculations made on the basis of the obtained results show that the daily OTA intake of an adult human from edible cereals is only 6.7 ng, while the amount taken up with coffee is 4.1 ng daily. The high prevalence and high levels of OTA contamination in feed grains can be explained by the unfavourable storage conditions, and this finding suggests that OA-related health problems may arise in animals, and that foods of animal origin may be contaminated with this mycotoxin.     

17种植物性饲料原料中伏马毒素(B1+B2)、赭曲霉毒素A、T-2毒素、黄曲霉毒素B1污染状况调查检测分析

为了解掌握伏马毒素（B₁+B₂）、赭曲霉毒素A、T-2毒素、黄曲霉毒素B₁在植物性饲料原料中的污染状况,指导饲料生产企业和养殖企业开展霉菌毒素防控,降低霉菌毒素对饲料产品质量及畜禽养殖危害,减少经济损失,2019年对17种62份植物性饲料原料进行采集,采用液相色谱—串联质谱法、免疫亲和柱净化—高效液相色谱法检测,依据《饲料卫生标准》（GB 13078—2017）判定分析。结果表明：伏马毒素（B₁+B₂）、赭曲霉毒素A、黄曲霉毒素B₁在17种植物性饲料原料中的污染状况差别明显,伏马毒素（B₁+B₂）、赭曲霉毒素A、黄曲霉毒素B₁平均检出率分别为37.09%、8.06%、29.03%,最大检测值分别为15.96 mg/kg、26.60 μg/kg、351.00 μg/kg。从检测结果得出,4种霉菌毒素在17种植物性饲料原料中的污染较重,整体污染率达48.40%,玉米皮、喷浆玉米皮、花生粕3种植物性饲料原料中黄曲霉毒素B₁超标,污染率与超标率不一定呈正比,表明霉菌毒素在植物性饲料原料中污染普遍,对饲料产品及养殖安全造成严重影响。针对该问题,提出控制植物性饲料原料质量建议,为今后控制饲料原料中霉菌毒素含量提供参考。     

Mixtures of wheat and high-moisture corn in finishing diets: feedlot performance and in situ rate of starch digestion in steers

Wheat and high-moisture corn (HMC) were fed singly and in three combinations using dry-rolled wheat (DRW) (ratios of 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75, respectively, Trial 1), or singly and in two combinations using steam-rolled wheat (SRW) (ratios of 67:33 and 33:67, respectively, Trial 2) to finishing beef cattle fed a high-concentrate diet. In situ rate of starch digestion (Trial 3) was measured on grains used in Trial 1 (excluding the 25 HMC: 75 DRW mixture) and ground dry corn. In Trial 1 (132 d), gain/feed did not differ (P greater than .10); however, final weight, hot carcass weight, and ADG decreased linearly (P less than .05) and DMI exhibited a cubic response (P less than .05) as the percentage of wheat in the diet increased. Carcass characteristics were not different. In Trial 2 (113 d), there were no differences attributable to treatment for ADG, DMI, gain/feed, or carcass characteristics. Positive associative responses for gain efficiency (gain/feed) were greatest for the first increment of wheat addition (25% DRW and 33% SRW in Trials 1 and 2, respectively) and for the early portion of the feeding period (57 and 28 d for Trials 1 and 2, respectively), indicating a more rapid diet adaptation and(or) less propensity for subacute acidosis. In Trial 3, the treatment grains or mixtures did not differ in rate of starch digestion. Although the differences were not statistically significant, starch in the 100% wheat diet was digested twice as fast as the 100 or 75% HMC mixtures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)