Conditions for the formation of mycotoxins in animal feed

The development of moulds and the production of mycotoxins are closely related, but the optima of environmental factors for both do not necessarily coincide. Depending on the species, the percentage of toxinogenic strains differs considerably. Complex substrates, with a high content of carbohydrates, are favoured. Over a wide range of temperature toxin-production is possible, also at a very low partial pressure of oxygen. Too few is known about the factors, which promote toxin-production in the field. There seems to be a dependence on the area, where the grain is grown, and on the weather during the year of cropping, but the influence of methods of plant production, fertilization, plant protection and choice of cultivars have to be investigated.