Mycotoxins in animal feed

There are now over 400 recognised mycotoxins found in feed materials and it has been reported that as much as 25% of the world's cereal grains may be contaminated with mycotoxins.

Recognition of the symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning in an affected animal can be quite difficult to do confidently because many of the symptoms of chronic but sub-acute cases are the same as those resulting from a wide range of causes.  Common symptoms include:

  • rough coat
  • poor body condition
  • low milk yield with poor quality milk components
  • foot lesions
  • poor reproductive performance and increased incidence of abortion
  • inconsistent much with mucus tags