Effects of corn grain storage conditions on the mycotoxins production, physicochemical and microbiological quality of processed feed and food safety in the poultry production chain

This study aimed to evaluate the different controlled storage conditions for corn-producing regions with environments of low relative humidity (40%) and high temperatures (30 °C) and high relative humidity (90%) and low temperatures (10 °C) on the contamination levels and nutritional quality of grains over time, as well as their effects over processed feed quality and the contamination levels and production of broilers. The corn stored in the 30 °C and 40% relative humidity conditions led to the loss of dry matter and in the physicochemical quality, while the 10 °C and 90% relative humidity conditions contributed to the microbiological and mycotoxin contamination. For nutritional quality of corn at 30 °C and 40% relative humidity conditions it is recommended to store it at six months maximum, whereas in regions with mean temperatures of 10 °C and 90% relative humidity it is not recommended storing corn for a period exceeding three months. Thus, the reduction in corn grain quality due to storage conditions affected the quality of processed feed, reducing nutritional levels and increasing the risk of microbiological and mycotoxin contamination. There was evidence of histopathological changes and reduced performance in broilers, compromising food safety.