Detection of mycotoxins in cattle feed

The aim of the study was to study the mycotoxin infestation of various types of cattle feed used in the farms of the Vologda Oblast. Samples for analysis were represented mainly by silos of various compositions (75% of samples), since this is the main type of juicy fodder harvested by farms in the region. The remaining 25% is represented by hay, haylage, grain, single samples of mixed fodder and press cake. Analysis of mycotoxins in feed was performed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay using standard test systems. Studies of more than 100 feed samples have shown that most of them contain some degree of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins were found in all studied samples of grain, press cake, compound feed and haylage, but their content is below the maximum permissible concentration. Of the 74 silage samples examined, only two were toxin-free, and almost 40% had mycotoxin content that either exceeded or was in close proximity to the limits for feed products. During the work, it was found that mycotoxins are present in almost all feeds independently harvested by farms. Since such studies of feed harvested in the Vologda Oblast have not been carried out before, the results of this study suggest that, firstly, more thorough control of feed is required, if possible at all stages, secondly, farms should take preventive measures to decontaminate the harvested material, thirdly, it is advisable to introduce adsorbent additives into diets in cases where, for some reason, the use of preventive measures does not give the expected result.