The Alltech Mycotoxin Management team, based in Nicholasville, analyzed corn, spring wheat, barley and triticale samples from Canada throughout June and November of this year.

The results indicated a high risk for the presence of mycotoxins — toxic chemical products produced by fungi — in the Canadian crops. 

On average, 3.8 different mycotoxins were present in the samples collected, according to a press release from Alltech. 

The results were part of the 2016 Alltech Canada Harvest Analysis. Samples from Canada and the report, showed that only two percent of the samples collected did not contain mycotoxins. 

Type B trichothecene mycotoxins were present in 80 percent of the samples, and fusaric acid was present in more than half, according to the press release. 

According to the Alltech website, symptoms found in cattle who consume mycotoxins include anorexia, depression, diarrhea and other digestive disorders, udder edema, enlarged mammary glands, stillbirths and vomiting.

“Mycotoxin issues aren’t limited to growing regions with contaminated crops,” Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist for the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team, said in the press release. “Mycotoxins move around quickly and spread contamination, so ensure that you sample your (crops) regularly and monitor your animals.”

Producers should observe their herd and monitor their animals for poor feed intake as well as reduced milk or meat production, the press release said. 

To find more information out about Alltech, or more study findings visit http://www.alltech.com/.