The collection and treatment of feed samples, particularly when suspecting mycotoxins

The sampling-procedure for feedstuffs in the official supervision of these products is performed according to the standards decreed by the feedstuff order in which the sampling tools, the wrapping and the pattern of acting are specified. In suspicion cases for mycotoxins in feedstuffs it is suitable to complete the sampling protocol with additional informations about feed and feeding practice as well as possibly observed health disturbances in animals. In this connection attention is directed to microbial caused changes of feedstuffs, which sometimes are clearly observable. Such indications allow to accommodate sampling to a present situation and can help substantially in clearing up cases of mycotoxicoses. In scope of mycotoxin research, sampling technique and procedure will be subjected to the special scientific questions.