Mycotoxins, problems in breeding, solutions to the problem.

Mildew fungi infect plants while they are still growing, and their metabolic products, called mycotoxins, contaminate both concentrate and roughage feed. A great example is 2019, which was an exceptional year for corn nodular head infestations. It is estimated that in some parts of Poland up to 25-30% of cobs were infected with this fungus. However, it is less reported that every cob infested with nodular head was also infected with fusariosis.

The alkaloids produced by hawthorn are theoretically biodegradable in the ensiling process, but the toxins produced by Fusarium are not. The mild winter also promoted the growth of mold in stored silage and haylage. This situation has caused numerous problems for pig and cattle farmers and producers.

Among the most common are aflatoxins ochratoxins trichothecenes zearalenone.

Aflatoxins are produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. They are found on raw products such as cereals, dried fruits, spices, figs, nuts, and in the milk of animals fed with feed containing aflatoxins.

Toxins accumulate in the bodies of animals leading to the occurrence of functional disorders of internal organs and the onset of clinical symptoms. The first noticeable symptom is a decrease in milk yield in sows.

Aflatoxins are the most carcinogenic compounds produced by living organisms in the world. They have the highest affinity for liver tissue. They attack the liver, acting hepatotoxic and leading to cirrhosis. Low levels of aflatoxins taken up by animals manifest themselves in increased herd susceptibility to disease and ineffectiveness of vaccination (development of incomplete immunity) – observed especially in poultry and pigs. The constant supply of aflatoxins in feed causes immunosuppression, which increases the chances of viral and bacterial diseases.

Ochratoxin is produced by Penicillium verrucosum and some species of the genus Aspergillus. Under natural conditions, ochratoxin A and extremely rarely ochratoxin B are found in moldy agricultural products. Ochratoxin A has nephrotoxic (high affinity for the kidneys), hepatotoxic, anticoagulant, imunosuppressive and neurotoxic effects in pigs. Ochratoxins have genotoxic and teratogenic effects.

Noticeable symptoms of poisoning occur when feeding feed containing about 2 mg of this mycotoxin per kg, acute renal failure is then observed.

The metabolism of Ochratoxin A in pigs is slow and the elimination time from the body is about 7-8 weeks. Ochratoxin A enters the body of animals with contaminated feed, then penetrates into their tissues and organs, and consequently into food of animal origin and through this route into the human body.

Trichothecenes are produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium. To date, 150 types of this metabolite have been identified. Trichothecenes cause gastrointestinal health disorders, including vomiting, intestinal inflammation, loss of appetite, mucositis (at concentrations of up to 8 mg/kg of feed), at higher concentrations -ronephrosis, fetal mummification and infertility.

Deoxynivalenol is one of the most commonly found mycotoxins of the trichothecenes group. It affects the bone marrow, epithelium of the p. gastrointestinal tract, skin, vomiting (vomiting-rejection syndrome don and niv=>nivalenol), diarrhea, inhibits coagulation, increases the permeability of blood vessels. very strong immunosuppressive effect.

Zearalenone /f-2/, is produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium. It is found in cereals, especially, in corn, is an estrogenic toxin (fertility disorders), impaired conception, weakening of calves born, redness and swelling of the external parts of the genital organs of cows, permanent oestrus or apparent pregnancy, swelling of the mammary gland, amenorrhea, fetal growth disorders, early miscarriages, dead fetuses, increased mortality of piglets in the first week of life. In males there is swelling of the foreskin , testicular atrophy, decreased libido. the toxin is excreted in milk.

The first symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning in pigs are:

• Problems in reproduction including recurrent cases of MMA

• Redness and swelling of the external reproductive organs, and necrosis of the ears and tail

• Rectal prolapse

• decrease in immunity – frequent respiratory infections, skin diseases, ineffective immunoprophylaxis

There are many high-quality formulations on the market using various combinations of sorbents and containing boosters like silymarin or carvacrol. The more ingredients, the broader the spectrum of action. Mycotoxins vary in size, so we need combinations of substances with different binding capacities.

Before looking for other causes of recurrent problems in the herd, let’s start by eliminating mycotoxins. Often the simplest solutions are the best.

vet. Radoslaw Ceglarski
AGROCENTRUM Ltd.

Looking for professional advice, contact Agrocentrum Advisors, we can help solve any problem!