Alltech’s preliminary 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis shows a significant rise in mycotoxin contamination in corn silage samples compared to last year. Notably, all samples contained two or more mycotoxins, posing increased risks for livestock feed quality and animal health. The surge is largely attributed to 2024’s weather conditions, specifically heavy rains in the upper Midwest, which fostered Fusarium mold growth known for producing harmful mycotoxins.
Key mycotoxins detected include:
- Type B trichothecenes: Averages jumped to 1,863 parts per billion (ppb) from 1,014 ppb in 2023, with peak levels hitting 43,717 ppb
- Zearalenone: Known for estrogenic effects in livestock, levels rose to an average of 102 ppb, up from 28 ppb last year
- Emerging mycotoxins: Now averaging 100 ppb, a rise from 73 ppb in 2023
Alltech’s Risk Equivalent Quantity (REQ) system measures the cumulative contamination risk, which has increased to 201.6 in 2024, compared to 122.7 last year. These early findings highlight mycotoxin-related risks, particularly for monogastric animals in affected regions.
For deeper insights, Alltech will host a live broadcast, “From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis,” on November 21, covering the impacts of weather on crop quality, trade trends and practical feed tips. Interested parties can register for the event and access the full report upon its release at alltech.com/harvest-analysis.
