Feed Management - July 2014 - 15
| make sure that the test you choose is validated to the commodity being tested," Plaisance says. "In the feed business, we are using a lot of byproducts as well as whole grains." For example, a mycotoxin test used for corn should not be used for a corn byproduct unless validated. He suggests quarterly, seasonal testing of finished feeds. "If all you're doing is finished product testing, that is not a quality control program because you're testing too late. The goal is to keep mycotoxins out, so we want to push that testing up the supply chain to have good control," Plaisance adds. In choosing a mycotoxin testing vendor, seek out a partner who is transparent in their validation data to ensure the test is appropriate and accurate. 3 Detailed information provides balance As the testing equipment and methodology becomes more sophisticated, feed mills have a better understanding of how many mycotoxins are present and at what levels. "Testing advancements allow you to see more mycotoxins at lower levels that are present in the sample and have a better understanding of the potential for them to work cumulatively," Mobley says. "You can have small amounts of half a dozen different types of mycotoxins that work together to affect the health of the animal." The ability to know what you're work- RELATED CONTENT Rapid mycotoxin test kit supplier, Neogen Corporation, presents weekly reports tracking regional U.S. mycotoxin levels. Follow the "Mycotoxins Monday Report" on YouTube, www.youtube.com/ neogencorp or download the app. According to Plaisance, 10 percent of the error of accurately describing the mycotoxin levels of a load comes from the actual analytical test used; the other 90 percent of the error is a question of how that truck or railcar was sampled. "The responsibility of the sampling is the feed mill's responsibility and that's under our control," Plaisance says. For this reason, testing suppliers such as Neogen offer their clients test kit training and certification programs. How to choose a mycotoxin test Depending on whether you are testing incoming grains or finished feed, your testing needs will vary; however, there are several indicators that the vendor or commercial lab ing with allows for proper grain blending will produce the desired results. and the addition of mycotoxin binders. 4 5 Train your employees "Testing labs need a lot of experience with the various Manage your levels beyond the scale feed types and technologies," Reuther explains. "Any lab According to Mobley, in-depth, periodic grain analysis using LC-MS-MS methods there really need to be high-level gives the feed miller better information for monitoring to scientists running the equipment and program quality con- ensure "the mycotoxin profile isn't worsening," as they can trols into the run so the data is reliable." develop during transportation and storage. "Be proactive and anticipate that problems may arise," Lab certification, such as ISO-17205, and participation in mycotoxin check sample programs (AOCS, FAPAS, etc.), Mobley says. "Address those potential problems by periodi- are a good indication you are working with a professional cally testing your grains and product to assure that you are commercial lab. managing the total program: Are you're rotating your stock "The feed mills and the test kit suppliers are in the same properly? Are there areas -- or critical control points -- within business of making sure the animals we feed are healthy, the grain transfer or milling process where residue could ac- which means we both work to manage mycotoxins to the cumulate and create pockets of mycotoxins? Are there areas best of our ability. You need to find a supplier with a good where moisture might be getting into an area of the storage product who is willing to work with you and know your silo or mill? Identify those areas and change your process." product," Plaisance advises. [FM] July/August 2014 | WATTAgNet.com 15
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