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 × 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  μ g g −1 (mean 228.2 ± 95  μ g Kg −1 ). Fumonisin B 1 was detected in all tested raw materials at levels that varied from 50.3 to 1137.64  μ g Kg −1 and finished feed samples at levels that ranged from 99.8 to 512.4  μ g 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.