26

2024

-

09

The harm of mycotoxins to animal husbandry


Damage to the liver and kidneys

Many mycotoxins are strongly toxic to the liver and kidneys. Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A can cause degeneration and necrosis of liver cells, and even lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. At the same time, the kidney will also be damaged, there will be tubular epithelial cell necrosis, glomerulonephritis and other diseases. After liver and kidney damage, the detoxification and excretion function of livestock and poultry is reduced, which further aggravates the accumulation of mycotoxins in the body, forming a vicious cycle.

Damage the immune system

Mycotoxins can inhibit the immune system of livestock and poultry and reduce the body's resistance. For example, vomitoxin affects the activity of immune cells, reduces the production of antibodies, and makes livestock and poultry vulnerable to various pathogens. Livestock with compromised immune function are more susceptible to infectious and parasitic diseases, which makes treatment more difficult and increases mortality.

Cause toxic symptoms

Livestock and poultry ingesting high concentrations of mycotoxin can show acute poisoning symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma and even death. For example, aflatoxin poisoning mainly presents with liver lesions and jaundice, while zearalenone poisoning causes abnormalities in the reproductive system.