Occurrence of mycotoxins in pastures: A systematic review

Abstract

In this study, a systematic review is presented on the worldwide occurrence levels of mycotoxins in pastures reported in the scientific literature from January 1987 until December 2021. Trichothecenes and zearalenone were the most frequent mycotoxins found at high levels in pastures from countries in Europe, Oceania, and North America. Alternariol and Ergot alkaloids were also frequently detected, although at low levels. A few surveys were conducted in South American countries, and no information was available from the African and Asian continents, stressing the need for studies on the occurrence of mycotoxins in pastures from those regions, especially in tropical areas, where pastures are used as main sources for animal nutrition.