No abstract

Aim:  To determine fungal genera, Aspergillus and Fusarium species and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FB1) contamination from pre‐ and postfermented corn silage produced in the most important region of Argentina where silage practice is developed. Methods and Results:  Sampling of corn silos was performed manually through silos in transects at three levels: upper, middle and low sections. AFB1 and FB1 were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography, zearalenone by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and DON by gas chromatography. Over 90% of the samples showed counts higher than 1 × 104 CFU g−1. Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides were the prevalent species. Some tested samples were contaminated with AFB1, ZEA, DON and FB1. Conclusions:  This study demonstrates the presence of fungi and AFB1, ZEA, DON and FB1 contamination in corn silage in Argentina. Significance and Impact of the Study:  This manuscript makes a contribution to the knowledge of mycotoxins in Argentinean silage in particular because the environmental conditions in this country differ from those of most reports. The comparison of pre‐ and postfermentation silage is also outstanding. Therefore, information on fungi and mycotoxins present in silage – an increasingly popular commodity – is useful to estimate potential risk for animal and human health.

When handling is adequate the reduction of mould and mycotoxin contamination in silo bags is considerable. This study will enable estimation of the mycotoxicological risk of different ensiling practices and determination of the most adequate method to minimize economic losses and reduce hazard to animal and human health.