Toxin concentration is highest in broken grain, such as corn screenings. The Aspergillus species molds, generally characterized by greenish yellow coverage of kernels or ears, can produce aflatoxin and ochratoxin under stress conditions. Aflatoxin is a known carcinogen. Both cause animal health problems. Common in the Southern US, aflatoxin outbreaks are a 5-10 year event in the Corn Belt.
Aflatoxin is a cancer promoter and an immunosuppressant.
Effects are possible on poultry and small swine at 20 ppb. Ochratoxin is a relatively uncommon mycotoxin of corn, but has been reported several times in the midwest. Swine are the most likely animals affected by feed levels of 1-3 ppm. Ochratoxin causes increased water consumption and urination with renal tubular damage which may result in permanent scarring of the kidneys. Mycotoxin Incidence Mycotoxins create great concern, even panic, among consumers.