Mixtures of Mycotoxins, Phytoestrogens, and Other Secondary Metabolites in Whole-Plant Corn Silages and Total Mixed Rations of Dairy Farms in Central and Northern Mexico

Abstract

Mycotoxins and endocrine disruptors such as phytoestrogens can affect cattle health, reproduction, and productivity. Most studies of mycotoxins in dairy feeds in Mexico and worldwide have been focused on a few (regulated) mycotoxins. In contrast, less known fungal toxins, phytoestrogens, and other metabolites have been neglected and underestimated. This study analyzed a broad spectrum (>800) of mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and fungal, plant, and unspecific secondary metabolites in whole-plant corn silages (WPCSs) and total mixed rations (TMRs) collected from 19 Mexican dairy farms. A validated multi-metabolite liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometric (LC/ESI–MS/MS) method was used. Our results revealed 125 of >800 tested (potentially toxic) secondary metabolites. WPCSs/TMRs in Mexico presented ubiquitous contamination with mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and other metabolites. The average number of mycotoxins per TMR was 24, ranging from 9 to 31. Fusarium-derived secondary metabolites showed the highest frequencies, concentrations, and diversity among the detected fungal compounds. The most frequently detected mycotoxins in TMRs were zearalenone (ZEN) (100%), fumonisin B1 (FB1) (84%), and deoxynivalenol (84%). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), previously reported in Mexico, were not detected. All TMR samples tested positive for phytoestrogens. Among the investigated dietary ingredients, corn stover, sorghum silage, and concentrate proportions were the most correlated with levels of total mycotoxins, fumonisins (Fs), and ergot alkaloids, respectively.

Correction: Penagos-Tabares et al. Mixtures of Mycotoxins, Phytoestrogens, and Other Secondary Metabolites in Whole-Plant Corn Silages and Total Mixed Rations of Dairy Farms in Central and Northern Mexico. Toxins 2023, 15, 153

“…In the original publication [ 1 ], there was a mistake in Table 3 as published. A section of Table 3 ( Fusarium -Metabolites) was unintentionally deleted during the edition process.…”

Mycotoxins evaluation of total mixed ration (TMR) in bovine dairy farms: An update

“…Maize silage is a significant source of contamination, possibly because maize cobs and leaves are rich in protein and polysaccharides, which can help fungi and other pathogens grow and proliferate [ 54 ]. Maize silage is the main source of AFB1, DON, and ZEA [ [55] , [56] , [57] , [58] ], being DON and ZEA the most prevalent mycotoxins in both maize grain and whole maize [ 55 ]. Corn grains, for human and animal feed, have the highest values of FB and, in some regions of the world, of AF [ 55 ].…”

“…Only a few studies (e.g., Refs. [ 2 , 9 , 58 , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] , [68] , [69] , [70] , [71] , [72] , [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [77] ]) have approached the identification and quantification of regulated and emerging mycotoxins in TMR. The majority of them (see Table 1 ) have been published in the last three years to mitigate this gap and explore the problem of TMR mycotoxin contamination regarding animal health and public health.…”

“…(fusaproliferin, fusaric acid, moniliformin, nivalenol, siccanol, W493), Penicillium spp. (7-hydroxypestalotin, bilaid A, citreoviridin, mycophenolic acid, pestalotin, questiomycin and derivates, quinolactacin A) from 19 Mexican dairy farms were reported by Penagos-Tabares et al [ 58 ], and were not reported in the table.…”

“…For example, it was observed that the increase in straw inclusion increases the levels of FB1, FB2, and Fusarium -derived metabolites in mixed rations [ 33 ]. Additionally, a positive correlation (ρ = 0.50; p < 0.05) between maize stover and TMR for total mycotoxins was observed [ 58 ]. The removal of fodder presenting molds or other abnormal gross appearances is the usual practice in farms to mitigate mycotoxin ingestion.…”