dakers
10-26-2009, 02:18 PM
Waterfowl hatchability can vary significantly from year to year. One of the theories that a few waterfowl breeders discuss is that corn quality in feed might be a factor. When we have more fungal toxins in the corn crop, could it lead to waterfowl hatchability problems? It can lead to infertility, abortion or other breeding problems in hogs. Here's a current article from Purdue Extension regarding the current corn crop. In summary, there's more fungal ear rots of corn this fall in Indiana than in decades.
Corn Ear Rots Widespread in Indiana – (Kiersten Wise and Charles Woloshuk)
The following is from: Purdue Pest & Crop Newsletter, 10-26-09. I've shortened the article by removing some of the management advice to farmers. For a photo & the entire original article, see http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/2009/issue26/index.html
Diplodia and Gibberella ear rot of corn have been observed in many fields in Indiana this year. In fact, the incidence of Gibberella ear rot (Figure 1) has reached levels not seen in Indiana for decades, and there have been several reports of high levels of the mycotoxin DON associated with these infections. Early reports indicate that DON (also known as vomitoxin) levels in corn grain range from 0.2 to 8 ppm, which poses a concern if grain is to be used for livestock feed. Zearalenone is also produced by the Gib ear rot fungus. Zearalenone has estrogenic properties, which lead to infertility, abortion, or other breeding problems. As little as 1 to 5 ppm zearalenone in a feed ration may produce an estrogenic effect in swine.
The cool, wet weather over the past two weeks have prolonged conditions favorable for ear mold growth. At this point in the season, producers should scout remaining fields of corn and take note of areas and hybrids with ear rot problems. Selecting partially resistant hybrids and rotating fields out of corn will reduce the risk of a re-occurrence of Gibberella and Diplodia ear rots next year.
Please refer to the previous article on Gibberella ear rot for information on where to have grain analyzed for mycotoxin levels, and FDA animal feeding advisory levels for the mycotoxins DON and zearalenone: <http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/others/2009/Gibberella-1002.pdf>.
Corn Ear Rots Widespread in Indiana – (Kiersten Wise and Charles Woloshuk)
The following is from: Purdue Pest & Crop Newsletter, 10-26-09. I've shortened the article by removing some of the management advice to farmers. For a photo & the entire original article, see http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/2009/issue26/index.html
Diplodia and Gibberella ear rot of corn have been observed in many fields in Indiana this year. In fact, the incidence of Gibberella ear rot (Figure 1) has reached levels not seen in Indiana for decades, and there have been several reports of high levels of the mycotoxin DON associated with these infections. Early reports indicate that DON (also known as vomitoxin) levels in corn grain range from 0.2 to 8 ppm, which poses a concern if grain is to be used for livestock feed. Zearalenone is also produced by the Gib ear rot fungus. Zearalenone has estrogenic properties, which lead to infertility, abortion, or other breeding problems. As little as 1 to 5 ppm zearalenone in a feed ration may produce an estrogenic effect in swine.
The cool, wet weather over the past two weeks have prolonged conditions favorable for ear mold growth. At this point in the season, producers should scout remaining fields of corn and take note of areas and hybrids with ear rot problems. Selecting partially resistant hybrids and rotating fields out of corn will reduce the risk of a re-occurrence of Gibberella and Diplodia ear rots next year.
Please refer to the previous article on Gibberella ear rot for information on where to have grain analyzed for mycotoxin levels, and FDA animal feeding advisory levels for the mycotoxins DON and zearalenone: <http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/others/2009/Gibberella-1002.pdf>.