Samples of corn silage from the Western USA for the 2019 harvest contained an average of 7.3 mycotoxins per sample. The type B trichothecenes (DON family) were detected in 82% of samples, with an average level of 1241 ppb in positive samples and a maximum of 6184 ppb (6.18 ppm). These mycotoxins have the potential to impact all systems in the cow including feed intake, rumen function, gut health, organ health, reproduction, milk production/quality and immunity.

It is important to note the presence of zearalenone in these samples. Detected in 45% of samples, zearalenone averaged 355 ppb in positive samples with up to 848 ppb detected. Zearalenone can have a strong impact on reproductive performance. 

Fusaric Acid, found in 100% of samples, had a lower average concentration but was found at up to 3747 ppb. This is of importance because this mycotoxin may alter rumen function as well as interact synergistically with other mycotoxins such as the type B trichothecenes.