Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins reports – Fall 2025

Higher than average DON and Zearlonone– in the upper midwest

What is DON?

A mycotoxin (toxic substance from fungi) from Fusarium species, often found with other mycotoxins.

Zearlonone –  a potent estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, contaminating grains like corn and wheat, especially under poor storage conditions.

POTENTIAL symptoms/side effects

How much is too much? It depends.

1. Production level

2. Stage of lactation

3. Environmental factors

Solution –Step 1 – test tmr for levels – this is what cows eat.

If there are Feeds we can avoid, we should test individual feeds. “Dilution is a solution”

ALSO innoculant at harvest, and binder and gut health focus now to help.