2007, Volume XI, Issue 1News From International AgenciesA January 10, 2007, Full Committee Hearing on Agriculture and Rural America’s Role in Enhancing National Energy Security of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry included written testimony from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) on dry distillers grains (DDGs).Among the major concerns addressed in the NCGA’s comments was the urgent need to control mycotoxin occurrence in DDGs used as animal feed. With corn prices climbing in response to increased demand for ethanol-based fuel, a growing number of today’s farmers are relying on DDGs—less expensive and highly nutritious by-products of ethanol production—to feed their animals. During distillation, mycotoxins such as aflatoxins concentrate in the outer layer, or shell, of corn kernels. These shells are then dried to make DDGs. Aflatoxins and other mycotoxins cost corn growers millions of dollars in lost sales every year. Livestock exposed to mycotoxin-infected feed can suffer fatal liver damage and other major health problems.Even in low doses consumed over time, mycotoxins pose serious risks to animal health and farm productivity. Arange of problems from slowed growth rates to chronic immunosuppression have been linked to contaminated feed. Infection by multiple mycotoxins can compound the dangers. Synergistic interactions between subacute doses of aflatoxins and other common corn contaminants such as Fusariumtoxins and ochratoxin A may increase the various toxic effects to deadly levels. To reduce the health and economic risks of mycotoxin-infected DDGs, the NCGA report advocates developing improved mycotoxin control strategies, particularly preharvest measures. The NCGA’s intense concern about the issue is shared by the ethanol industry. Ethanol plants across the United States have initiated rigorous mycotoxin testing programs to help maintain the long-term marketability of DDGs. |