OCCURRENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MYCOTOXINS IN FORAGE CROPS AND SILAGE - A REVIEW

Study of mycotoxins in animal feeding stuffs has concentrated on the o ccurrence of aflatoxins and, to a lesser extent, other mycotoxins in c ereals, raw materials and concentrate feeds. However, ruminant diets c ontain a high proportion of forage crops such as grass or maize silage , hay and straw. Under adverse growing, production or storage conditio ns, fungal spoilage is likely to occur with some degree of mycotoxin c ontamination. The mould flora of forage crops is likely to differ sign ificantly from that of cereals and mycotoxin contamination, should it occur, could differ qualitatively and quantitatively. Information rela ting to forage crops as a potential source of mycotoxins is reviewed. Some field incidents and animal disease which may be mycotoxin related are discussed and analytical methods are reviewed. Information on dos e and effect of candidate mycotoxins is given where available. The rev iew suggests areas which the authors consider merit further study. Cro wn Copyright 1998.