The impact of contamination with fungi and mycotoxins on the feed quality in a beef farm from Maramures county.

Abstract

The quality of feedstuffs is affected by moisture degradation, maturity, contamination with different seeds, plants and substances. Zearalenone is produced by a number of fungi from Fusarium genus in presence of moisture and at low temperature (10-15 o C). The quality of feedstuffs was investigated using the organoleptic, chemical and cultivation technique. The contamination with zearalenone was also determined. The ration used in the farm were analyzed using computer specific software. The study was conducted in a beef cattle farm from Maramures County. A number of fodders samples were collected, representing all the feedstuffs used as components or as mixtures in the farm. Organoleptic examination was carried out and crude chemical composition by Weende methodology was performed. The mycological examination was done to all samples and zearalenone was determined. The quantitative identification of zearalenone from samples was performed by means of competitive immunoenzymatic test. The results indicated a good quality of feedstuffs by meens of organoleptic and crude chemical composition investigations, excepting the Alfalfa hay. The mycological examination reveled the presence of Penicillium and Fusarium genus. Zearalenone was detected in all analysed samples with values between 12,08-586,88 µg/kg, one sample exceding the maximal level established in European Union. Computer ration analyse measured an increased value on nutrients exceding the requirements for all the animal categories. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE