Banff (Rural Roots Canada) –  The latest findings from the Alltech 2024 Canadian Harvest Analysis reveal a mixed outlook for mycotoxin contamination in silage and grains across the country. While overall mycotoxin levels are down compared to previous years, regional variability remains a key concern, particularly for corn silage.

Stuart McGregor, Vice President of Commercial Business for Alltech Canada, emphasized the importance of understanding the specific risks despite the overall decline in mycotoxins.

“If you look at corn silage across Canada, we’re seeing the presence of multiple mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), and T2-HT2 toxins. The overall risk level for grains appears lower, but corn silage still presents a moderate risk,” McGregor said.

Regional Mycotoxin Variability

Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for Alltech, noted that shifting weather patterns have influenced mycotoxin risks.

“Canada has experienced a change in weather patterns from last year, particularly greater rainfall across the prairies. As a result, there appears to be a higher mycotoxin risk in Western Canada’s 2024 harvest than last year,” said Weaver. “We’ve also noticed continued risk from DON and ZEA in Eastern Canada, which can impact animal health and performance.”

Key findings from the Alltech 2024 Canadian Harvest Analysis include:

• Quebec: 90% of corn silage samples tested positive for ZEA, with peak levels reaching 1,369 ppb. DON was found in 68% of samples, reaching as high as 6,782 ppb.
• Ontario: 63% of wheat samples contained DON, while 45% tested positive for ZEA. Corn samples showed DON levels exceeding 4 ppm, posing challenges for swine and young or breeding animals.
• Manitoba: 59% of barley samples tested positive for DON, with levels as high as 3,700 ppb. Corn silage showed a 100% prevalence of ZEA and a 64% presence of DON, with maximum levels at 3,200 ppb.
• Saskatchewan: 88% of barley silage samples contained ZEA, with 30% testing positive for DON. T2-HT2 toxins were detected in 43% of samples.
• Alberta: Barley silage showed lower risks, with ZEA detected in 22% of samples. However, 100% of tested corn silage samples contained ZEA, with levels exceeding 700 ppb.
• British Columbia: Corn silage samples showed the presence of multiple Fusarium mycotoxins, with DON, T2-HT2, and ZEA detected at lower-to-moderate risk levels for dairy cows. Some samples, however, indicated high-risk levels.

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Managing Mycotoxin Risks

McGregor stressed that proactive management is crucial for mitigating the impact of mycotoxins on livestock.

“It’s like playing a hand of cards—you need to know how to play the hand you’re dealt,” McGregor explained. “Understanding what mycotoxins are present on the farm is critical to preventing challenges related to immunity, gut health, production losses, and efficiency.”

Since mycotoxins are difficult to detect and can cause significant damage before being identified, McGregor urged producers to implement regular testing and management strategies.

With early harvest data indicating higher risks in corn silage and barley compared to wheat, producers are encouraged to remain vigilant and ensure proper monitoring of grain and silage feed sources throughout the year.

Read the complete analysis here.

To watch Dr. Alexandria Weaver discuss the results, click here.