Mycotoxin levels and interpretation

• Fusarium fungus produces Deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin), Zearalenone, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, Fumonisin and Nivalenol.
• Note that results may be expressed in a number of different ways. Therefore remember: ppm = mg/kg = µg/g
• Always check the dry matter basis on which the results are given — many cases this is as-fed. Correct for moisture level; divide by the decimal dry matter. For example, 1 ppm on 30% dry matter basis is 1/0.3 = 3.3 ppm DM.
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada guidelines for DON (Vomitoxin) in animal feeds are:
  • pigs, calves, lambs, lactating cows and lactating ewes, 1 ppm in the diet,
  • adult cattle, adult sheep and poultry, 5 ppm in the diet.
• United States FDA guidelines for DON (Vomitoxin) in feeds in the US are:
  • 10 ppm in grains and by-products fed to chickens, ruminating beef and feedlot cattle older than 4 months. Maximum ingredient level 50% of total ration. (i.e. 5 ppm in the final ration).
  • 5 ppm in ingredients for swine with a maximum inclusion rate of 20% of total ration. (i.e. 1 ppm in the final ration).
  • 5 ppm in ingredients for all other animals with a maximum inclusion of 40% of the ration. (i.e. 2 ppm in the final ration).

Pennsylvania State University suggested guidelines on mycotoxin levels in feeds are (Adapted from Penn State).

Total ration (on a dry matter basis)