Alltech’s initial findings from the 2024 European Harvest Analysis highlight that mycotoxin risks in crops are moderate to high this year, largely due to extreme weather patterns across Europe. Heavy rains early in the season, followed by droughts, have spurred mold growth, with mycotoxin contamination varying by region and crop type. Specifically, high levels of aflatoxin B1 were found in corn from Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, reaching up to 506 ppb.
Key findings include:
- Wheat and Barley: Wheat samples contain an average of 7.7 mycotoxins per sample, with nearly all samples showing multiple contaminants. Barley averages 6.3 mycotoxins per sample, also showing multiple mycotoxins in 98% of samples. The main concerns in these grains are emerging mycotoxins and type B trichothecenes, presenting a moderate risk level.
- Straw: Straw samples tested show an average of 5.9 mycotoxins, with the main threats coming from deoxynivalenol and emerging mycotoxins. Overall risk is high.
- Forages: Grass and corn silage samples have an average of 2.9 mycotoxins, with type B trichothecenes and Penicillium mycotoxins most prevalent. The risk level for forages is high.
The full report, which will provide further regional and crop-specific insights, will be released later. Alltech is hosting “From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis” on November 21, with a live panel to discuss global impacts on crops, practical feed management tips, and more. Interested participants can register at alltech.com/harvest-analysis.
