The Association of Deoxynivalenol in Grain with Milk Production Loss in Dairy Cows

Reports have indicated that in certain geographical locations and in certain years there can be a high incidence of feedstuffs contaminated with aflatoxin (Nichols 1983), deoxynivalenol (DON) (Vesonder et al., 1978; Mirocha, 1974), zearalenone (Shotwell et al., 1980) or ochratoxin A (Hamilton et al., 1982). The practical importance of these and other mycotoxins in feedstuffs which have the potential of affecting the health and productivity of farm animals is a topic of intensive investigation. The significance of DON-contamination of poultry and dairy feedstuffs is particularly controversial.