Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Free grain/forage testing

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering free testing for alflatoxins, nitrates, and prussic acid, which may be present in hay and grain. These compounds, which can sicken or be deadly to livestock, or even affect pregnancies, are often present in dry weather conditions.

Barley in a grain bin.
A sample data sheet can be found on the MDA web site. For grain-sampling instructions and a submisssion form, log onto www.mda.maryland.gov/pdf/silage_sampling.pdf.

In addition, the state chemist inspections staff will be increasing surveillance of susceptible commercial feeds for alflatoxin.

For more information, contact your local county extension office or Ken McManus, Laboratory Manager, or Offiah Offiah, Supervisor at MDA, at (410) 841-2721.

Similar services may be available in other drought-affected states.

Read MDA article

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