Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Feed: Corn Silage Contamination in a Romanian Dairy Farm

Mădălina Matei, Daniel Simeanu () and Ioan Mircea Pop
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Mădălina Matei: “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania
Daniel Simeanu: “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania
Ioan Mircea Pop: “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-18

Abstract: This study investigates the presence of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) in corn silage, aiming to assess contamination levels and identify potential sources, including technological and environmental factors. Given the increasing concern regarding the presence of MOHs all over the food chain, this research provides important data on feed safety. A total of 15 corn silage samples were collected from the feed base of a dairy farm. Sampling was performed systematically across silos (top, middle, bottom layers). The analysis was conducted using LC-GC-FID to quantify mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) fractions. Statistical evaluation was applied to determine contamination patterns and potential influencing factors. The findings confirmed the presence of MOSH and MOAH in the analyzed silage, averaging 23.3 mg/kg MOSH and 1.4 mg/kg MOAH, exceeding European Commission guideline limits. Notably, the MOAH fraction, known for its potential toxicity, was detected at significant levels in several samples. The study highlights that corn silage can act as a source of MOSH/MOAH contamination in livestock feed. Technological processes, especially mechanized harvesting and ensiling, and environmental pollution factors appear to be likely the main contributors, emphasizing the need for improved monitoring and preventive measures to mitigate risks in the feed-to-food chain.

Keywords: feed safety; environmental pollution; farming practices; animal nutrition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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