Mycotoxins in the imported feed materials

Aim of study: The purpose was to analyse feed materials samples of mycotoxin concentration, which were researched in the period of 2005-2009 in the Animal Welfare Research Laboratory. Main tasks: 1. To analyze literature sources. 2. To assess mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, aflatoxin B1) contamination of imported feed materials in the period of 2005 – 2009. 3. To compare mycotoxin contamination of different feed materials (maize, soybean meal, rapeseed cake, sunflower cake). 4. To assess the risk for animals of imported feed materials. Material and methods: - it was selected 72 samples of feed materials i.e. 36 maize samples, 21 soybean meal sample, 6 rapeseed cake samples and 9 sunflower cake samples. - it was analyzed each mycotoxin concentration separately (DON,ZON, AFB1) in maize, soybean meal, rapeseed cake and sunflower cake. Aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol concentration were assessed with thin-layer chromatography method. Diffusion of mycotoxins in feed materials during 2005 – 2009 was determined using statistical analysis methods. Results and discussion: 1. During the investigation period (2005-2009) aflatoxin B1 concentration varied from 0,0007 to 0,005 mg/kg in maize, from 0,001 to 0,02 mg/kg in soybean meal, from 0,001 to 0,0033 mg/kg in rapeseed cake and from 0,0013 to 0,007 mg/kg in sunflower cake. During this period zearalenone concentration varied from 0,1 to 1,33 mg/kg in maize, from 0,17 to 2 mg/kg in soybean meal, from 0,08 to 1,2 mg/kg in rapeseed cake and from 0,05 to 1,3 mg/kg in sunflower cake. The minimum concentration of deoxynivalenol was 0,06 mg/kg, the maximum concentration – 3,5 mg/kg in maize, minimum – 0,15 mg/kg and maximum – 1,2 mg/kg in soybean meal, minimum – 0,125 mg/kg and maximum – 0,8 mg/kg in rapeseed cake and from 0,3 mg/kg to 0,9 mg/kg varied in sunflower cake. 2. During the investigation period mycotoxin concentrations were compared in the feed materials and assessed, that AFB1 concentration was decreased 46 per cent in maize, and in sunflower cake – 78 per cent. ZON concentration was decreased 36 per cent in maize, 88 per cent – in soybean meal, 14 per cent increased in sunflower cake. DON was decreased 56 per cent in maize, 54 per cent was increased in soybean meal and 51 per cent in sunflower cake. 3. The most contaminated feed materials were maize and sunflower cake. AFB1 was assessed 0,02 mg/kg, ZON – 0,65 mg/kg and DON 1,15 mg/kg in maize. AFB1 was 0,0095 mg/kg, ZON – 1,1 mg/kg and DON – 0,5125 mg/kg in sunflower cake. The least contaminated was soybean meal – AFB1 concentration was 0,001 mg/kg, ZON – 0,09 mg/kg and DON – 0,24 mg/kg. AFB1 concentration was 95 per cent higher than was in soybean meal, ZON was higher 84 per cent and DON concentration was higher 79 per cent. 4. Assessed mycotoxin concentrations in feed materials don‘t exceed recommended rates, but if these materials will be added to the mixed feed, ZON and DON quantities can be dangerous for the animals health. If we want to protect feed materials from mycotoxin contamination, we have to harvest on time and properly, apply the correct rotation, store in the suitable conditions, use antifungal agents. If the mycotoxins are already in the feed, then it may help mycotoxin binders