Mycotoxin-contaminated silage: Occurrence, effects and control

Silage can be contaminated with a wide range of mycotoxins, originating from infection of the crop or growth of moulds in silage during storage or feeding. Prevention of silage contamination should be considered at the field, silo and feeding levels. Pre-harvest or field moulds develop during plant growth and maturation as humidity is high (>70%) and the temperature fluctuates between day and night. Insect damage can also increase contamination as it predisposes the crop to mycotoxin infec