RISKS OF INADEQUATE CORN STORAGE: MYCOTOXINS AND THE COMPROMISE OF CATTLE HEALTH

Abstract

Inadequate corn storage poses significant risks to cattle health due to the development of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxin production. This article analyzes the impacts of this issue through a systematic literature review, grounded in the works of Prestes et al. (2019) and Silva et al. (2015). Conditions such as moisture above 14%, high temperatures, and insufficient ventilation were identified as favoring the proliferation of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium. The most prevalent mycotoxins in Brazil are fumonisins (present in >90% of samples), aflatoxins (41.9% contamination), zearalenone, trichothecenes and ochratoxin. Their effects on cattle include immunosuppression, hepatic and renal lesions, reproductive disorders and productivity reduction. The study concludes that implementing proper storage practices, integrated control and emerging technologies are essential to mitigate animal health and economic losses.