Improvement of safety of corn-based feedstuffs through using more resistant hybrids and management of corn processing

Partners:

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary
University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Novi Sad, Serbia
Cereal Research Non-profit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
University of Novi Sad, Institute of Food Technology (FINS), Novi Sad, Serbia

Project implementation period: 01. 01. 2012. – 31. 12. 2013.
Project web-site: www2.sci.u-szeged.hu

This project is approved under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) within the 2007-2013 European Union financial framework (www.hu-srb-ipa.com). The acronym “TOX-FREE-FEED” suggests the main aim of the project, which is to reduce the mycotoxin content in feed for farm animals.

The South-Eastern part of Hungary and Vojvodina share the same agro-environmental conditions, which are highly favorable for corn production. However, the cultivated corn hybrids differ on the two sides of the border, in spite of the similar weather conditions. Mycotoxin contamination of corn is a worldwide threat to both safety of human food and animal feed. One of the aims of the project is to examine the resistance level of the most frequently cultivated corn hybrids in the region, to get information on their safety as feed ingredients, and to clarify which cultivars are suited best to these climatic conditions. Another aim is to examine the mycobiota and mycotoxin contamination of corn hybrids during harvest and after storage to get insight into their effects on animal welfare. The project also aims to investigate the influence of various treatments (mechanical, physical and chemical treatments, as well as usage of various absorbents) on reduction of mycotoxin content in corn and feed for farm animals.

Identification of corn hybrids more resistant to mycotoxin accumulation will enable farmers to use these hybrids, leading to improved animal welfare, and consequently improved human health. Identification of the methods which are optimal for preparing mycotoxin-free feed from corn will be of great importance for feed manufacturers.

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