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MYCOTOXINS
Mycotoxins are naturally occurring chemicals produced by
molds. Mycotoxins can be found in grains and forages and,
if present in sufficient concentrations, can cause reduced
feed consumption, poor production and adverse health
effects. The environmental conditions that are conducive to
the growth of molds and the production of mycotoxins are
quite variable. Mycotoxins can be produced in feedstuffs
prior to harvesting or during storage. Mycotoxins found in
the Upper Midwest include vomitoxin, zearalenone and
fumonisins in grain, primarily corn and slaframine in red
clover. Ergot alkaloids can be found in either grain or
grass hays. Feedstuffs originating from other areas of the
country may contain mycotoxins such as aflatoxin not
normally found in South Dakota.
Suggestions for preventing mycotoxin-related problems
include storing feedstuffs in an appropriate manner and
avoiding the feeding of obviously moldy feed. It is
important to keep in mind that mycotoxins can be present in
feeds without visible mold growth and conversely, visibly
moldy feed may not always contain detectable mycotoxins.
Additionally, analytical laboratories routinely test for
only a small fraction of the mycotoxins known to occur
naturally.
Since
the farm and feedlot environment may contain a number of
potential poisons, it is important that producers have some
knowledge about the relative toxicities to livestock of the
chemicals used so that extremely toxic chemicals such as
soil insecticides can be handled and stored properly.
The best advice to producers to avoid accidental livestock
poisonings is to treat all chemicals as potential hazards
and to store them well away from feed storage and mixing
areas. If a feed-related poisoning is suspected, it is
critical for the producer or veterinarian to contact a
diagnostic laboratory for assistance in confirming the
suspicion. In the state of South Dakota, all poisoning
incidents are required by law to be reported to the state
veterinarian.
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