Nutritionist > Pig
Non-feed sources of mycotoxins
It is generally assumed that feed-borne mycotoxins are the sole source of contamination. Housing of pigs on straw is common in many countries because of its perceived benefits to animal welfare and environmental concerns. The consumption of straw is considerable and has been estimated to be between 10 and 15% of total feed intake in weaned pigs, and even higher in sows. If the straw is contaminated with mycotoxins, then pigs on straw bedding may be at risk of increased mycotoxin ingestion. In a recent Australian study [Moore, D.D. (2005). Mycotoxins in straw used in deep-litter pig housing. In: 'Manipulating Pig Production X. Proceedings of the Tenth Biennial Conference of the Australian Pig Swine Association (APSA)'. Edited by J.E. Paterson; p 251. APSA, Werribee, Australia], over 80% of straw samples examined were positive for mycotoxins. Indeed, in one study, adding a mycotoxin sequestering agent to the diet of pigs kept on straw bedding, improved growth rate. This highlights the potential risk that straw and other material used for bedding poses to pigs and the urgent need for appropriate preventative action.
On-farm tests for mycotoxins
Pigs can be used to test for the presence of mycotoxins on the farm, please see below for details;
Zearalenone
- Feed 4-6 week old gilts suspect feed for 7-10 days and compare the redness and size of their vulvas with same aged gilts fed clean feed
- A slight redness and swelling after 1 week indicates approx 1 ppm zearalenone
- Considerable swelling and redness after 3-4 days indicates 5 ppm or more
- Feed 4-6 week old piglets (for feeder operations use 35 kg pigs) suspect feed for 1 week
- Compare feed intake and growth rate with same aged pigs fed clean feed
- Levels of 1-2 ppm vomitoxin cause a slight decrease in feed intake and growth rate which may be difficult to detect
- At 3-5 ppm, reduced feed intake will be apparent
- Levels of 10 ppm cause dramatic decreases in feed intake, vomiting within 1 day of feeding and slow growth rate
As pigs eating T-2 and vomitoxin respond the same way, a lab test is necessary to show if one or both are present in grain or feed.
