Re-printed from Texas Parks & Wildlife Outdoor Magazine of Texas. Article by Robert E. Zaiglin

KEEPING DEER CORN TOXIN-FREE

Feeding Deer is a popular and highly valued pastime in Texas. But the tons of corn distributed each fall by sportspeople could be doing more harm than good, particularly if the grain contains aflatoxin.

AFLATOXINS are toxic compounds produced in contaminated grains by fungus. They can be found in any high-starch food item like corn or other grains grown in years of high temperatures or drought, or stored in hot, humid environments.

Almost half the deer corn purchased from 52 counties across the state had excessive levels of aflatoxin, according to a 1998 Texas A&M study. The research team, led by Bob Brown, Ph.D., also found one sample to contain almost 33 times the maximum level allowed for consumption by dairy cattle.

The most important finding in this study was that corn sold in unmarked bags with no weight label or manufacturer's address tended to have higher concentrations of aflatoxin. Ten out of 30 bags without a manufacturer's identification tested over the 100 parts per billion (ppb) legal limit for deer feed, compared with 10 out of 70 bags with a manufacturer's ID.

While aflatoxin can prove harmful to deer, other species such as quail, turkey and even songbirds also consume the feed. Aflatoxin could have a serious impact on these fragile creatures.

The solution to the aflatoxin problem is prevention. New regulations state that corn sold as wildlife feed must include package labeling indicating the amounts of aflatoxin. The new legal limit for wildlife feed is 50 ppb.

Hunters should purchase shelled corn in labeled sacks only. Always request test results when purchasing bulk quantities. Store large quantities of corn in a cool, dry place, and be sure that bulk feeders are well-built and waterproof. If you have a concern about your supply, have it checked for aflatoxin.