Research Details: Pokoo-Aikins Lab

Post-Harvest: Pokoo-Aikins

Dr. Pokoo-Aikins’ research primarily focuses on feed safety and quality. His lab is working on opportunities for reducing post-harvest mycotoxin contamination in both corn and feed storage, as well as finding ways to improve mycotoxin detection. It is estimated that approximately 65-80% of grain is contaminated with mycotoxins, which have negative effects on poultry health and production. The monetary loss due to mycotoxin contamination in the US is about two billion dollars annually. The current mycotoxins being analyzed in his lab include fumonisins, aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin, and T-2. He is building a database of mycotoxins identified from post-harvest corn, including on-the-ground pile grain storage. His research is looking at the correlation between mycotoxin contamination and nutrient degradation in feed and feed ingredients. Additionally, he is also looking at mycotoxin mitigation using organic acids and essential oils. The goal of the lab is to work with grain and poultry industry stakeholders and assist them in solving mycotoxin related issues in feed ingredients: especially corn, soybean meal, and complete feed.