Beef Cattle Nutrition and Feeding
Frequently Asked Questions
Mycotoxin Analysis of Feedstuffs
Fall and winter is a time when crops are being harvested and livestock
producers begin to rely heavily on stored forages and grains. Undesirable
growing, harvest and storage conditions of feed grains and hay can result in the
growth of fungi or molds that may produce toxins in sufficient quantity to
impair animal performance or result in loss of product due to levels exceeding
those allowable for human consumption.
"Mycotoxins" is a cumulative term that describes the toxins produced by fungi
or molds on grains and sometimes hays. The most common toxins include aflatoxin,
fumonisin, zearalenone, vomitoxin (DON or deoxynivalenol) and T-2 toxin.
Aflatoxin is produced by an Aspergillus whereas the other toxins are more
commonly produced by various species within the Fusarium genus.
If mycotoxins are believed to be responsible for impaired animal performance
or loss of livestock, producers should contact and work with their local
veterinarian. The local vet can diagnose the problem and will already have an
established relationship with a laboratory that can test feeds and tissues for
mycotoxins.
If there is concern about feed containing mycotoxins prior to feeding,
producers can also sample the grain/feedstuff themselves and submit a sample to
a laboratory for analysis. This is particularly important for individuals that
are purchasing grains directly from a farm or the farmer that is selling
harvested grains for livestock feed.
Sampling guidelines for grains are outlined in the
The Merck Veterinary Manual (subject:
Mycotoxicoses) and include collecting and blending representative samples to
create a 10 lb sample to submit to the lab. Since "hot spots" may occur within a
lot, use sampling procedures that will result in a sample that is representative
of the whole lot. Screening samples with a black light can help determine if any
sub-samples contain "hot spots." Dry samples are preferred, and use paper or
cloth bags as opposed to plastic bags to avoid creating a condition that will
support additional mold growth leading to an elevated level of toxins that
inaccurately represent the lot. Consider sampling twice the volume needed and
submit half the sample to the lab and store (freeze) the remaining half for
further testing if necessary.
Laboratories offer the ability to conduct basic mold counts, screen for
specific molds and analyze for previously listed toxins. Testing capabilities
and pricing will vary among labs. Some labs may not be recognized as official
testing facilities such as the Arkansas State Plant Board. In instances where
possible litigation will occur, results must come from an accredited lab. Always
verify upon initial contact with a lab if they are an accredited testing
facility. Below are known laboratories that offer these services in or near
Arkansas; however, testing is not limited to these facilities. The following
information is not intended to support or reject the use of any particular lab.
Arkansas State Plant Board
1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
1-501-225-1598A & A Laboratories
1000 Backus Ave.
Springdale, AR 72764
1-800-962-7120
A & L Analytical Labs
27 9 E. Whitten Rd.
Memphis, TN 38133
1-901-213-2400
www.al-labs.com
Woodson-Tenent/Eurofins Scientific
312 Hemlock St.
North Little Rock, AR 72114
1-501-374-5181
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Nutrition and Feeding Frequently Asked Questions
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