The growth of moulds in raw materials (grains) and finished feed for livestock is a universal problem. Mould spores, of the so called field fungi, can contaminate cereal grains in the standing crop and in severe conditions, these spores can germinate, especially under irrigated crops, to produce fungal toxins known as mycotoxins. During storage a different range of moulds, the storage fungi, become more important. These moulds can grow at moisture contents above 11% and like the field fungi, can lead to a build up of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are extremely toxic by-products of fungal metabolism and range from large complex molecular structures to simple three carbon derivatives.

The growth of moulds in raw materials (grains) and finished feed for livestock is a universal problem. Mould spores, of the so called field fungi, can contaminate cereal grains in the standing crop and in severe conditions, these spores can germinate, especially under irrigated crops, to produce fungal toxins known as mycotoxins. During storage a different range of moulds, the storage fungi, become more important. These moulds can grow at moisture contents above 11% and like the field fungi, can lead to a build up of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are extremely toxic by-products of fungal metabolism and range from large complex molecular structures to simple three carbon derivatives.