Harvest challenges this fall have led to lots of questions about molds on feeds and livestock feeding considerations. Molds can produce toxins that can be harmful to livestock especially young calves, replacement heifers and pregnant cows. What many folks aren’t aware of is that mold contamination in forages, grains and protein supplements is visible and concentrations can vary drastically throughout the lot or truckload.

Since molds and the toxins they produce are not always visible, NDSU Extension livestock specialists always recommend that moldy feeds be tested for toxin content.

The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has two options for testing feed toxins.

1. DON (Vomitoxin) Panel – Cost is $50. This panel includes DON (vomitoxin), 15-ADON3-ADON, Nivalenol, Zearalenone. Detection limit is 0.5 ppm (500 ppb)

2. Mycotoxin LC/MS/MS Screen – Cost is $150. This screen is for corn, grains, silage, forage, hay, DDG and TMR with lower detection limits. Mycotoxins tested: Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2, T-2 toxin, Ochratoxin A and Sterigmatocystin at 20 ppb (0.02 ppm). Fumonisin B1, B2, HT-2 toxin, and DON (vomitoxin) at 200 ppb (0.2 ppm). Zearalenone at 100 ppb (0.1 ppm)

The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab’s toxicologist, Dr. Michelle Mostrom is beginning work on a new research initiative focusing on stored feed toxins. Currently this project is at the beginning phase of developing laboratory procedures and an analysis protocol.

To continue with the development of laboratory procedures and analysis protocol, the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab would like 100-130 moldy stored feed samples from producers across North Dakota.

The moldy stored feed samples can be either hay or grain. The samples should be submitted in zip lock bags with the storage sample form filled out and enclosed in the bag. Sample forms can be printed by visiting www.vdl.ndsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Toxicology_Feed_Submission_v8.pdf .

Sample size is:

– Moldy hay – one gallon zip lock bag

– Moldy corn – one quart zip lock bag

Samples may be dropped off at your local NDSU Extension office. The NDSU Extension Pierce County Office is located at 240 2ndSt. SE, Rugby ND and is in the lower level of the Pierce County Courthouse.

Please note that it will take a year or more to develop results on the stored feed samples so results will not be available for immediate use.

If you have questions about the research initiative, please call Dr. Michelle Mostrom at 701-231-7529.

– Submitted by Pierce County NDSU Extension Agent

Yolanda Schmidt