Cleaning Reduces Mycotoxin Contamination in Corn

Authors

A. Yoder, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow
M. D. Tokach, Department of Animal Science and Industry, Kansas State UniversityFollow
J. M. DeRouchey, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow
C. B. Paulk, Kansas State UniversityFollow
C. R. Stark, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow
C. K. Jones, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow

Keywords

corn, feed, mycotoxin, screenings

Abstract

A single load of corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxin (1,074 ppb), fumonisin (8.3 ppm), and ochratoxin A (206 ppb) was procured from central Oklahoma to evaluate the role of cleaning to remove mycotoxin contamination in corn. Corn was divided into twenty 333-lb lots, which were then cleaned using an EBM Gentle Roll corn cleaner to remove overs (material>1/2 inches) and unders (material<3/16 inches). The resultant 4 treatments included: 1) uncleaned corn; 2) overs from cleaned corn; 3) cleaned corn; and 4) unders from cleaned corn. Samples of each fraction were analyzed for mycotoxin content using multiclass liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Cleaning generated approximately 6% screenings (unders + overs), and reduced (P<0.05) aflatoxin by an average of 26%. Cleaning also reduced (P<0.05) fumonisin by 45%, but did not impact ochratoxin A. Unders had nearly 4 times the aflatoxin and 7.5 times the fumonisin as the uncleaned corn. In conclusion, cleaning corn may substantially reduce mycotoxin contamination, but the resultant screenings should be used cautiously.

Recommended Citation

Yoder, A.; Tokach, M. D.; DeRouchey, J. M.; Paulk, C. B.; Stark, C. R.; and Jones, C. K. (2017) "Cleaning Reduces Mycotoxin Contamination in Corn," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 3: Iss. 7. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7503