The results obtained (377 analyses) from the multi-partner mycotoxin observatory on 2024 corn silage reveal a higher prevalence across all regions and different mycotoxins compared to the 2023 vintage.
Half of the samples above the Zearalenone threshold
Since the start of the observatory in 2018, this is the first year where the prevalence of Zearalenone is this high, with more than half of the farms above the risk threshold compared to usually only a third. This mycotoxin, which is generally found over a large North-West quarter, is present homogeneously throughout France, with a median value of 108 ppb at 88% MS compared to 58 ppb at 88% MS. last year.
This mycotoxin is an endocrine disruptor, which mimics estrogens, causing problems with the reproductive functions of animals.
DONATION on the rise
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is also increasing nationally with a median value of 947 ppb at 88% DM compared to 818 ppb last year at the same time. We find only a quarter of farms below the risk thresholds. The pressure is stronger in the East of France with a median value of 1339 ppb at 88% MS.
DONs can impact dairy performance and immunity.
Less Nivalenol
On the other hand, for Nivalenol (NIV), the finding is completely different with 80% of farms below the risk threshold. Only the Hauts de France and Brittany regions are a little more impacted.
A majority of poly-contamination
Finally we note that a majority of the samples analyzed are poly-contaminated. Beyond the danger of each mycotoxin taken individually, there is a synergy between them which increases the risk of toxicity when they are present simultaneously
Once again mycotoxin pressure is present in 2024 in all regions with the particularity of a significant presence of Zearalenone. Faced with this observation, it is recommended to carry out analyzes for mycotoxins, at least on the three predominant ones in corn (Don, Niv, Zéa) as soon as the silos are opened or on the day of harvest in order to anticipate the risk. Be careful, harvests even later than silage, wet and dry cob corn or grain corn, are additional potential sources of contamination that must be taken into consideration and analyzed.
The MycoRisk tool, available free of charge on the observatory website, can then help you assess the level of contamination risk for your herd and the need to implement or not a ration management strategy to limit the effects. harmful mycotoxins.
Source. The multi-partner mycotoxin observatory
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