Mycotoxins are toxic chemical products produced by moulds which grow on a variety of different crops. They cause many health problems to both humans and livestock. There are many types of mycotoxins but the most commonly observed are:
Aflatoxins - amongst the most poisonous mycotoxins which
are produced by moulds Aspergillus
flavus and Aspergillus
parasiticus
Zearalenone (ZEN), T2 and fumonisins - produced by
Fusarium, fungi common to the soil.
Ergot Alkaloids - compounds
produced as a toxic mixture of alkaloids in the sclerotia of
species of Claviceps fungi.
WHAT DAMAGE CAN MYCOTOXINS CAUSE TO ANIMALS?
Decreased feed intake
Weakened immune system
Higher mortality rate
Presence of mycotoxins in milk, meat and eggs
All above mentioned results in higher
production costs