Abstract
In this study, 119 samples of total mixed rations and different types of ensiled forage (maize and grass silage, and haylage) collected in 2019–2020 from dairy farms in Lithuania were analyzed to evaluate the quantitative occurrence of mycotoxins and endotoxins. Samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescent (FLD) and an ultraviolet detector (UV) of mycotoxins and a detection assay based on the ELISA technology for endotoxins. The study included toxins regulated within the European Union (aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin) and nonregulated toxins (endotoxins). Mycotoxin analysis showed that 49.58% of the samples out of 119 were positive for AFB1, 52.11% for ZEA and DON, 55.47% for T-2 toxin and 84.04% for endotoxins. In the contaminated samples, the highest mean values of AFB1 and T-2 toxin were determined in the grass silage samples, while ZEA and DON–were determined in the maize silage samples. Maize silage samples had the highest ZEA and DON concentrations, exceeding the EU maximum permissible concentration limits. In the haylage samples, AFB1 mycotoxin exceeded the maximum concentration limits. The highest mean value of endotoxins was determined in the total mixed rations samples. This is the first study to provide information about the concentrations of mycotoxins and endotoxins in total mixed rations and different types of ensiled forages for dairy cows in Lithuania.
Highlights
Ensiling is a method of forage conservation
The highest mean values of the pH were determined in the total mixed rations (TMR) samples, the medium and similar values in the grass silage and the haylage samples, while the lowest were in maize silage samples
The results of our study imply that total mixed rations and different types of ensiled forage in Lithuania may be a potential source of mycotoxins and/or endotoxins
Summary
Ensiling is a method of forage conservation. It is based on the natural fermentation of lactic acid under anaerobic conditions. Silage and total mixed rations are the main source of feed in the diet for dairy cows in many parts of the world. The pH of ensiled forage is a measure of the acidity and the quality of the silage. The lactic acid, produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), occurs in the highest concentrations in the silage and is the main contributor to the reduction of the pH concentrations during fermentation, as it is approximately by 10 to 12 times stronger than any other major acid, like acetic acid or propionic acid found in silages
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