Fumonisins in pig feed

Abstract

Fumonisins are mycotoxins belonging to a group of potential carcinogens for humans. It is well known that they also have potentially harmful effects on various species of animals. After consumption, in the horse they may cause leukoencefalomalation, and in pig pulmonary edema. The legal regulations in Serbia do not prescribe the maximum allowed levels (ML) of fumonisins in feed. As products of Fusarium, fumonisins are often detected in corn, and their presence in wheat is also proven. However, there is not enough data on the occurrence and levels of these mycotoxins in feed. Considering the harmful effect of fumonisin on pig health and data on corn contamination, the aim of this paper is to examine the concentration of fumonisins in feed for pigs. A sum of fumonisins (B1, B2 and B3) in a total of 30 samples of feed for different categories of pigs was tested. Fumonisins were found in 83% of the examined samples. Although no sample contained more than 5 mg/kg (the maximum recommended level according to EU regulation), studies on the effect of low-dose toxin on pig health and the frequent grain contamination with multiple mycotoxins pointed out the necessity of monitoring of fumonisins levels in pig feed.