[Measures for lessening the mycotoxin formation and concentration in feed].

Procedures for lowering the production of mycotoxins in cereals before harvest are not available. Breeding of cereal varieties which are resistant to fusaria is a promising approach. Development of storage fungi and fusaria after harvest can be inhibited by drying with warm or ambient air, refrigerated storage, chemical preservation (e.g. by propionic acid, urea), and airtight storage. For the quantitative determination of fungal growth in feedstuffs a chemical indicator such as ergosterol must be determined. A preservation procedure can be regarded as effective only if it is able to inhibit mold growth completely. This is concluded from the observation that an initial toxin-free phase of growth which has been found in mold cultures with liquid medium could not be detected during refrigerated storage of wheat. Under these conditions the production of ochratoxin A and other mycotoxins by Penicillium strains started simultaneously with the production of ergosterol. For an effective ambient air drying of cereals the depth of the whole bulk and the velocity of air must afford complete drying within 8-10 days. During refrigerated storage of cereals maximal storage periods which depend on moisture content and temperature should not be exceeded. Maximal storage periods based on ergosterol determinations are described for wheat with an initial moisture content between 18 and 26% and storage temperatures of 4 and 10 degrees C. The effect of propionic acid concentration on the development of molds is described, recommendations for selecting optimal acid dosages are given.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)