Chemical analyses are required to confirm the presence and level of aflatoxin contamination. Sampling Collect a 10-pound sample by taking a minimum of five random probes throughout the grain lot. A reference standard is essential for the untrained technician. BGY florescence found in the cracked sample is a preliminary test and does not prove that corn is contaminated. Corn containing in excess of 100 ppb aflatoxins for consumption by breeding cattle, breeding swine, or mature poultry.
Growers can receive disaster assistance payments if they agree to destroy contaminated grain.
Research indicates that 0.5 ppb aflatoxin level in milk normally would not be exceeded if the cattle feed contains less than 20 ppb aflatoxin. Toxins fed to dairy cows can be metabolized to aflatoxin M-1 by the liver and secreted in milk. Animal Symptoms Losses due to aflatoxin contamination occur at all levels in production, marketing and use, and cause losses to growers, elevators, manufacturers and livestock feeders. Extreme toxicity has been known to cause poultry losses and reduced cattle, sheep and hog gains. Losses usually are expressed as reduced grain quality for market.