2


3 4


5 6


Measurement and data recording We often miss the signs of mycotoxins in animals until they are causing performance losses. Detailed and accurate measurement-based data recording


provides a good basis for surveying the situation correctly and developing an effective prevention strategy. A slight shift in feed conversion efficiency can easily cause serious eco- nomic losses and is just one example of the different perfor- mance parameters that can draw your attention to the potential presence of mycotoxins.


Reduced feed intake in pigs Sometimes, the simple presence of moulds can cause unfavourable changes in feed taste and/or smell, but in many other cases, their toxic by-prod-


ucts directly affect the appetite of pigs. In extreme cases, total feed refusal or intensive feed rooting is visible. More often, a slight drop in daily feed intake leads to notable performance losses, especially in average daily weight gain.


Inconsistent faeces Increased visible signs of enteral disorders in a bigger swine group and even irregular faeces con- sistency — including changing from slightly soft-


er manure to a highly watery texture containing blood or undigested feed — may indicate a multi-mycotoxin chal- lenge. The severity of some pathogens (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Lawsonia and Serpulina species) could also be increased.


Reproduction challenges Multi-toxin-contaminated feed can lead to unex- pected reductions in reproduction performance. Breeding gilts, boars and sows can all be impacted,


while piglets can also show signs of intrauterine mycotoxin exposure, such as enlarged vulvas or necrotic teats. Boars may exhibit reduced libido and decreased sperm quantity. Irregular heats in sows or longer weaning to oestrus interval should be seen as a potential issue. Equally, increased still- births, lower than normal litter size or reduced piglet vitality can be among mycotoxin-contamination symptoms. Reduced milk let-down from the sow may also lead to inadequate piglet growth performance.


General pig health status This is one of the most difficult impacts of mycotox- in ingestion to determine. However, increased cull- ing and higher mortality can point us toward po-


tential mycotoxin issues in swine herds. Reduced success with vaccination programs, increasing infection outbreaks due to pathogens or simply higher medicine costs can also indicate toxicosis-related issues.


7 8


9


Increased incidence of prolapses Increased rectal and/or urogenital prolapses can quickly point to a mycotoxin issue. While there could be different reasons for these symptoms, it is


one of the clinical signs most frequently connected to pigs in- gesting mycotoxins. Changes to organ ligaments are a direct effect, while frequent diarrhoea from abdominal pressure is one of the most likely indirect symptoms.


Altered pig behaviour — vomiting Lethargy or even overexcited visible stress in bigger animal groups can be connected to mycotoxin con- tamination. Munching, foaming of saliva around the


mouth and, more often, increased vomiting can draw attention to a potential mycotoxin situation.


Increased skin sensitivity Increased skin sensitivity, leading to skin lesions at the tops of the ears or on tails, can have several contributing factors. Nevertheless, mycotoxin


contamination should not be ruled out as a potential cause. 10


Reduction in pig performance parameters Research continually demonstrates the nega- tive impacts of mycotoxins on animal perfor-


mance. However, impacts may not always be obvious in swine herds. Loss of homogeneity in same-aged groups, slight changes in daily feed intake and growth parameters or re- duced feed efficiency can all indicate a subtle mycotoxin issue and lead to significant economic losses. More severe sudden changes, such as increased mortality, could indicate acute contamination and should be investigated immediately.


▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 29, No. 4, 2021 23


By spotting is- sues early, it is possible to take steps to mitigate the impact of mycotoxins on pigs’ health and performance.


PHOTO: ANNE VAN DER WOUDE


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36