Mycotoxicosis in pig industry: the problem, which cannot be underestimated

Abstract

According to the statistic data, at least a quarter of cereals are affected by mycotoxins. The seriousness of the problem is also explained by extreme susceptibility of modern breeds of pigs to stress and toxic effects. The clinical form of mycotoxicosis in pigs depends on the concentration of mycotoxins obtained via feed. The high concentration of mycotoxins leads to acute my cotoxicoses. However, a low concentration of mycotoxins in feed causes chronic mycotoxicosis, which affects economic indicators. Feed must not contain even a small amount of mycotoxins, since the detection of one mycotoxin can be a danger signal indicating the presence of other mycotoxins and their synergistic effect. The degree of mycotoxicosis depends on the type of toxins, its concentration in the feed, age of animal, feeding conditions and state of the immune system. To date, a number of methods for removing mycotoxins from feed has been developed: physical removal, chemical detoxification, inhibition of fungal growth, biological control, and adsorbents.