Fungi and Mycotoxins in Feed Intended for Sows at Different Reproductive Stages in Argentina

The aim of this study was to evaluate fungi and contamination levels of aflatoxin B(1), ochratoxin A, fumonisin B(1), and zearalenone in raw materials and finished feed intended for sows at different reproductive stages. Total fungi, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species occurrence, were examined. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger aggregate spp., and F. verticillioides were the prevalent species. Fungal counts exceeded the levels proposed as feed hygienic quality limits (1 x 10(4) colony forming units) at all reproductive stages. Aflatoxin B(1), ochratoxin A, fumonisin B(1), and zearalenone were detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Aflatoxin levels in 80% samples of finished sow feeds were over the permitted levels of 0.02 mug g(-1) (mean 228.2 +/- 95 mug Kg(-1)). Fumonisin B(1) was detected in all tested raw materials at levels that varied from 50.3 to 1137.64 mug Kg(-1) and finished feed samples at levels that ranged from 99.8 to 512.4 mug Kg(-1). Aflatoxin B(1), zearalenone, and ochratoxin A were not detected in raw materials. All finished feeds were negative for zearalenone contamination whereas all nonpregnant gilt samples were contaminated with low OTA levels (mean 0.259 +/- 0.123). This fact requires periodic monitoring to prevent the occurrence of mycotoxicosis in animal production, to reduce the economic losses, and to minimize hazards to human health.