Impact of sample collection location and grain fraction when assessing corn for aflatoxin contamination

Received: July 5, 2005 Accepted: August 19, 2005 Aflatoxins are toxic by-products produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These toxins can infect a variety of grains and oilseeds, but most often occur in corn, the predominant feed grain in North America. Four principle metabolites have been characterized and identified as aflatoxins B1, G1, B2, and G2, but the B1 metabolite occurs most frequently and is considered the most toxic.1 Aflatoxin M1 and M2 are related metabolites expressed in the milk of animals consuming aflatoxins. Swine are particularly susceptible to negative effects associated with consumption of aflatoxins: it has been reported that among food-producing and companion animals, only ducklings, trout, and cats are more susceptible to aflatoxicosis than swine.2