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Swine
Mycotoxins pose a significant risk to livestock productivity and health.
Answer the following questions to find out the risk mycotoxins pose to your pig business.
How would you describe your number of returns to heat outside of the normal cycle?
Zearalenone is a mycotoxin that mimics the action of oestrogen within pigs. Elevated levels in the diet can cause reproductive problems.
How would you describe the abortion and stillbirth rate in your herd?
Abortions and stillbirth may be caused by ingestion of feed contaminated with zearalenone late in the pregnancy
How many piglets are born underweight (less than 1.2kg)?
Mycotoxins can have teratogenic effects, influencing foetal development.
Do your piglets or sows suffer with rectal discharge or bloody faeces?
Trichothecene mycotoxins irritate the gut lining, causing blood and mucous in the faeces.
How would you describe the fed intake of your animals?
Deoxynivalenol is a common mycotoxin that can cause feed refusal.
How do you feel about the growth rate of your piglets?
Deoxynivalenol is a common mycotoxin that can cause feed refusal or reduced feed intake.
How would you describe the FCR of your herd, up to 30kg?
How do you store your straw?
Straw is an often overlooked source of mycotoxins.
Do you ever find mould in your straw?
Mouldy straw increases the risk of mycotoxins being present.
Do you ever observe bridging in the feed bins or clumping in the feeders?
Bridging means there is a quality issue with the feed.
Is there any damage to feed bins which could allow water ingress?
Damaged feed bins may allow moisture to get into the feed, reducing quality and promoting mould growth.
How often do you clean out feed bins?
Feed left in bins for long periods may increase the risk of mould contamination.
Is there any mould in the feed at the point of feeding?
Mycotoxins are produced by moulds. Mould in feed increases the risk of mycotoxins being present.