Mycotoxicosis in pigs: Causes and treatment.

Dr.Kedar Karki

Mycotoxicosis is a term that refers to the toxicity that occurs when

hogs eat grain that has a growth of molds. These molds grow in feed
or in the grains used to make feed if the grain is damp, improperly
stored, or if equipment is not cleaned of damp grain in between
processing. Feeders that are not water-tight can cause an overgrowth
in warm, damp conditions as well.

This is why feeders must be inspected regularly and any damp feed
removed from either the storage bin or from the feeding trays.

Aspergillus and Fusariam are two specific kinds of mold that cause
problems if the amounts are too high in the feed source. There may be
small amounts naturally occurring but in toxic amounts it can cause
health problems in the herd. Mycotoxin is the broad term used to
describe the toxic effect of any of these molds. They can cause severe
problems in other species, including humans but this discussion is
restricted to the effects on swine.

If these myotoxins are present in the feed from any source, the
symptoms and signs can be mild until damage is done. In growing
pigs, often the only sign is poor growth. The actual damage can be to
the liver and kidneys, and these are not always apparent in
examination of the live pigs. Many times poorly growing pigs appear
sick, but not until autopsy is the diagnosis made. Jaundice sometimes
is a sign but by the time it reaches this level it is too late to help the
pig.

Another sign in growing pigs of mycotoxicosis is rectal or vaginal

prolapse of pigs. The reddening of the vulva of young gilts is a sign,
and it is one of the few telltale signs of mycotoxicosis. Feed sources
should be changed immediately if this symptom is noticed. A careful
evaluation of the feed source and the feed delivery system should
reveal the source. If no source is readily found, change the source of
the feed that is purchased. Be especially aware of moldy feeds and
NEVER purchase old or moldy feed. Some mold growths are harmless
but you do not know without testing if this is so.

In the breeding herd, the signs are aborted pigs or failure to breed.
Any feed that is not top quality should not be fed to pregnant sows
and gilts due to the risk of mycotoxicosis. If feed is only mildly wet,
the only animals it should be fed to are older sows or boars. Feed can
tolerate wetness for a short period of time, but after 72 hours, it
should be assumed to be toxic to avoid problems. The toxic nature of
the mycotoxins make the damage permanent if the damage is to the
liver or kidneys.

The only cure is to remove the source of contamination. Avoid all wet
or moldy feed and always purchase your feed from reputable dealers.
If you mix your own feed, avoid any grain that is not stored properly
and has any appearance of mold. Unfortunately, the molds that are
toxic are not always visible to the naked eye, so know the source and
the history of your feed. If you store your own grain, make sure it is
properly dried and continue to keep the humidity down in the grain
with grain dryers.