Corn silage has a risk from multiple mycotoxins, with type B trichothecenes being the greatest risk. Stored corn grains may be at greater risk due to damaged kernels and a higher percentage of foreign matter.

Cows that consume feed contaminated with mycotoxins – which include natural toxins made by various species of molds – may suffer a host of various metabolic disruptions that lead to a loss of milk production, hormonal imbalance and reduced reproductive performance. 

The 2023 corn crop was challenged by a wide variation of environmental challenges. Drought in the Southwest and western Corn Belt to late-season rainfall in the Ohio Valley and eastern Corn Belt, the weather challenged the crop.