Toxins of Preserved Fodders

Fodder is a general term applied to agricultural products offered to domesticated animals as feeding material. Fodder can be fresh cut or preserved in the form of hay, silage, and so on. Most often, fodder is of plant origin, but some animal feed manufacturers also add animal-origin sources to the feed. Common plants cultivated as fodder include alfalfa, barley, brassica, clover, maize, oats, sorghum, and various grasses. Depending on environmental conditions and availability, fodder can be fed fresh or in preserved form. The preserved forms include hay and silage. These fodders play a pivotal role in animal sustainability and productivity. If not appropriately harvested and preserved safely, the fodder itself can be hazardous for its consumer. Hence, in this chapter, possible threats from fodder are described.