Mycotoxin Detection and Solutions

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by student on July 6, 2018

Author: Donald W. Giesting

Reference: Banff Pork Seminar Proceedings 2018

Summary: Mycotoxins threaten the economic viability of commercial animal business’s, influencing both the health and performance of livestock. Of the over 250 mold toxins present, there is a small portion that has implications for the swine industry. Swine producers in Canada focus mainly on the predominant toxins deoxynivalenol (DON)  and zearalenone (ZEA).

Mycotoxins have the ability to damage internal organs, impact reproductive function, impact immune response, imbalance of antioxidant systems, and predispose animals to a secondary infection. These effects have strong implications for the viability of swine enterprises.

When analyzing the risk of the mycotoxin it is important to consider: conditions that favour mold growth, determine the effect of the mycotoxin and the action level, and establish meaningful estimates of mycotoxin levels in grains.

DON: Sometimes referred to as vomitoxin appears to be the most problematic in the U.S. and Canada. DON contamination causes reductions in feed intake which results in poor gain and decreases lactation performance. Levels in excess of 1ppm have been reported to slightly impact swine, especially young pigs.

ZEA: Highly problematic when fed to developing gilts and reproducing sows, results in premature mammary and genital development. Levels greater than 0.5ppm pose a limited risk, but levels greater than 1 ppm are highly problematic.

Reducing risk

•  Avoid contaminated grains
• Use technology to limit risk of unavoidable contamination
• Have good handling and storage procedures in place to reduce contamination risk

Mycotoxin Detection and Solutions

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