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Bulletin No. 16 - Fall 2003
Miscelleanous- No Category
MELLOR S
Problems of mycotoxins? and some solutions.
Pig Progress, 2003, Volume 19, N?5, 12-15
Mycotoxins are an important issue since contamination of feed and food leads to health problems and heavy financial losses. Dioxyvalenol (DON) and zearalenone (both produced by Fusarium spp.) are responsible for the most significant intoxications with mycotoxins (mycotoxicosis) in pigs. Mycotoxicosis caused by DON brings about vomiting or at least decreased feed intake, as well as a pro-inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal tract that increases susceptibility to infection. Mycotoxicosis caused by zearalenone results in decreased productivity in sows and gilts due to estrogenic effects and altered semen quality. Early signs of zearalenone intoxication are discoloration and enlargement of the nipples and vulva. Other mycotoxins are reviewed: ochratoxin A (liver damage, immunosuppressive effect, decreased in the number of live piglets per sow and decreased litter size), fumonisins (cardiomyopathy and pleural edema). Physical, chemical and microbial techniques of detoxification are available. The use of mycotoxin binders (adsorption) or enzymes that degrade or transform mycotoxins are as many strategies for animal producers to reduce the risk of mycotoxicosis.
