Exploring the Impact of Mycotoxins on Livestock and Poultry Farming

Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain molds, pose significant risks not only to human beings but also to animals, especially livestock and poultry. Livestock and poultry animals can be exposed to mycotoxins through contaminated feed and other approaches, bringing about serious health threats to themselves and significant economic losses to farmers. In this blog, let's work together to explore different types of mycotoxins, their negative impacts on breeding animals, and effective strategies for prevention and management.

What are Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by various species of fungi. They are very toxic, relatively stable, and cannot be easily eliminated by high temperatures or processing. The presence of these toxins in the breeding industry causes serious harm to livestock and poultry by contaminating a wide range of animal feeds, including grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

Several mycotoxins particularly known for their adverse effects on animal health include:

Types	Description
Aflatoxins	Produced by Aspergillus species, aflatoxins are potent carcinogens that can cause liver damage in various livestock, including poultry, swine, and cattle.
Ochratoxin A	This mycotoxin can lead to kidney damage and immunosuppression in animals. It can be found in contaminated grains and is especially harmful to pigs and poultry.
Deoxynivalenol (DON)	Also known as vomitoxin, DON can cause gastrointestinal distress, reduced feed intake, and vomiting in swine and other animals.
Zearalenone	A phytoestrogen, zearalenone can disrupt reproductive function, causing infertility and other reproductive issues in livestock.
Fumonisins	These toxins primarily affect corn and can lead to equine leukoencephalomalacia (a neurological condition in horses) and pulmonary edema in swine.

What are the Impacts of Mycotoxins on Livestock and Poultry Farming?

Generally, when ingesting high concentrations of mycotoxins, livestock and poultry will suffer serious diseases or even cause death. Even if they ingest low concentrations of mycotoxins, they will have a significant impact on the production performance, immune function, and growth development of farmed animals. The harm caused by mycotoxins to the livestock and poultry in the farming industry mainly covers:

1. Affect the Health of Farmed Animals

Mycotoxins can damage the digestive tract, respiratory tract, intestinal tract, and immune system of farmed animals, leading to symptoms such as indigestion, breathing difficulties, and decreased immune function. Toxins can also damage the liver and kidneys of animals, increase the incidence of diseases, and reduce the survival rate of farmed animals.

2. Hinder the Growth and Development of Livestock and Poultry

Mycotoxins can interfere with the physiological processes of animals such as protein synthesis and energy metabolism, leading to the stunted growth and development of farmed animals. Especially during the growth and development stage, the intake of mycotoxins can cause animals to lose weight and slow down their growth rate, thus affecting the economic benefits of the breeding industry.

3. Reduce the Production Performance of Livestock and Poultry

The intake of mycotoxins can lead to a decrease in the egg production rate and hatching rate of farmed animals, thereby reducing the benefits of the breeding industry. Similarly, mycotoxins can have a negative impact on the reproductive function of maternal livestock, leading to abnormal fetal development, increased abortion rates, and other problems.

4. Pollute Animal Products and the Environment

Mycotoxins can accumulate in the bodies of livestock and poultry and be excreted through secretions such as feces, urine, and milk. These excreta can contaminate feed, water sources, and the breeding environment, causing other farmed animals to be contaminated. When mycotoxins accumulate to a certain concentration, they will also contaminate animal products such as meat, eggs, and milk, posing a food safety hazard to human health.

Livestock and Poultry Farming

Effective Strategies for Managing Mycotoxins in the Farming Industry

Several control measures should be taken to reduce the harm of mycotoxins In livestock and poultry farming. They include:

1. Regular Monitoring:

Routine testing of feed ingredients and drinking water for mycotoxin levels can help identify contamination early and prevent health risks.

2. Use of High-quality Feeds:

Farmers should choose feed raw materials rationally and avoid using feed that is seriously contaminated with mold. Remember, if you try to save a little, you will suffer a big loss.

3. Proper Storage:

Farmers should ensure that feed is stored in dry and cool conditions, which can help prevent mold growth and mycotoxin production.

4. Use of Feed Additives:

Certain mycotoxin binders or removers can be added to animal feed to bind/remove mycotoxins in animals’ gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption and reducing toxicity. For example, “Mycotoxin Remover”, a special veterinary product developed by Gneebio, mainly focuses on removing and controlling mycotoxin contamination in animal bodies and their feeds. It can also support immunity, supplement nutrition, improve feed utilization, and promote the growth and development of animals. Contact us right away to learn how this product can help your animals more in your farming business.

Author : Gnee Bio TechnologyEstablished in 2011, TIANJIN GNEE BIO TECHNIQUE CO., LTD. has more than ten years of continuous research and development of a variety of Veterinary drugs, focusing on the health of your livestock, poultry, and pets.