Not all mould is fusarium
The mould turning up on some spring combined grain in Alberta is not fusarium head blight or tombstone disease, says Leuan Evans, plant disease specialist with Alberta Agriculture.
The moulds are mostly harmless fungi that can reduce the feed value of grain and make it less palatable to livestock, but are rarely, if ever, toxic to livestock.
“In a study done by the Alberta Research Council of Vegreville over 10 years ago, thousands of samples of overwintered grain were tested and none of the samples were found to be toxic to livestock,” said Evans.
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“If grain is ripe in the swath, aside from the poor appearance, it can still be healthy enough to germinate. If on the other hand, frost hit the immature (green) crop before swathing, the frozen grain may have little feed value.”
Testing a good idea
If producers have doubts about toxins in the grain, remember that hogs are much more sensitive than cattle.
If producers need to be assured about the absence of toxins, a representative grain sample should be sent for testing (free of charge) to Randy Clear at the Canadian Grain Commission, 1404 – 303 Main Street, Winnipeg, Man., R3C 3G8.
“A properly collected, randomized representative sample of the harvested grain must be sent for testing, not a collection of unusually discolored hand-picked seeds,” said Evans.
Vomitoxin tested
Producers wishing extra verification should note the grain commission will test any cereal for deoxynivalenol, also known as vomitoxin. The test costs $53.50 per sample, including GST. Cheques should be made payable to the Receiver General of Canada.
Samples must be sent in paper or cloth envelopes to the Canadian Grain Commission, Vomitoxin Testing, 846 – 303 Main Street, Winnipeg, Man. R3C 3G8.
The sample size should weigh one kilogram (2.2 pounds.) If samples are being submitted for vomitoxin and grade analysis, two separate envelopes of one kg each should be sent. Include the producer’s name, type of grain, sample identification, where the crop was grown, and the producer’s address and postal code.
Results will be mailed back to the producer, but results can be obtained by calling 204-983-3359.
– Alberta Agriculture
