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September 16, 2004 Recent Hail Damage Causing Toxins in Corn Recently, areas of North Dakota, including Sargent, Ransom and Dickey counties, have suffered hail damage to corn that hadn’t reached maturity. The kernels were significantly damaged, leading to mold growth, according to Michelle Mostrom, North Dakota State University veterinary toxicologist. Some samples sent to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab have tested high for mycotoxins, which are toxins produced by fungus. The fungal growth resulted from hail damage coupled with this year’s unusually cool growing conditions. “Mycotoxins are very stable compounds that are not easily destroyed,” Mostrom says. Ensiling and feeding corn with certain mycotoxins can cause adverse effects in livestock including:
Swine and horses generally are the most susceptible to mycotoxin-related problems, according to Mostrom. However, cattle can also be adversely affected. Mostrom is particularly concerned about potential reproductive problems, including abortions, which may be caused by feeding cows moldy silage. “Producers should avoid feeding moldy corn silage to pregnant or lactating animals and young, freshly weaned animals,” says Greg Lardy, NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist. Mostrom advises producers who have had hail damage to look for mold growth and to seek counsel from a local veterinarian or county agent. Standing corn or silage that is suspected to be moldy should be tested for mycotoxins at the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. For more information, contact Mostrom at (701) 231-7529 or Greg Lardy at (701) 231-7660. ### Sources:
Michelle Mostrom, (701) 231-7529, michelle.mostrom@ndsu.nodak.edu |
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