FUNGI AND MYCOTOXINS IN FEED INTENDED FOR SOWS AT DIFFERENT REPRODUCTIVE STAGES IN ARGENTINA

CARINA MARICEL PEREYRA; LILIA R CAVAGLIERI; STELLA MARIS CHIACCHIERA; ANA MARÍA DALCERO

Veterinary Medicine International

SAGE-Hindawi

Año: 2010 vol. 2010 p. 1 - 7

2042-0048

The aim of this study was to evaluate fungi and contamination levels of aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and zearalenone in raw materials and finished feed intended for sows at different reproductive stages. Total fungi, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium species occurrence were examined. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger aggregate spp. and F. verticillioides were the prevalent species. Fungal counts exceeded the levels proposed as feed hygienic quality limits (1 x 104 colony forming units) at all reproductive stages. Aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and zearalenone were detected by high pressure liquid chromatography. Aflatoxin levels in finished sow feeds (80% samples) were higher than the established regulations (0.02 µg g-1). Fumonisin B1 was detected in all tested raw materials and finished feed samples. Aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and ochratoxin A were not detected in raw materials. All finished feed were negative for zearalenone contamination. This fact requires periodic monitoring to prevent the occurrence of mycotoxicosis in animal production, to reduce the economic losses and to minimize hazards to human health.