Nutritionist > Dairy

Trichothecenes (T-2 toxin, diaceptoxyscripenol (DAS), deoxynivalenol (DON), HT-2 toxin, etc)
Trichothecenes are typical field toxins. They are produced on crops and enter the feed via contaminated ingredients. They can enter ruminant diets via concentrate or forages and are partially metabolised in the rumen. Their metabolism can also be limited by low rumen pH. Research suggests differences in susceptibility between species and production systems. Beef cattle and sheep for example, are more tolerant to DON than are dairy cattle.

Clinical signs of trichothecenes toxicity include:

• Reduced feed intake
• Reduced weight gain
• Reduced milk production
• Diarrhoea
• Emesis
• Reproductive failure
• Mortality
• Gastro-enteritis and lesions
• Intestinal haemorrhage