Effects of Mycotoxins on Poultry Health and Productivity

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Effects of Mycotoxins on Poultry Health and Productivity

PUBLICATION DATE:

RATING

AUTHOR: M. Genter-W. Hagler-J. Hansen-B. Mowrey-F. -M. Poore-L. Whitlow

Aflatoxin affects all poultry species. Although it generally takes

relatively high levels to cause mortality, low levels can be detrimental if

continually fed. Young poultry, especially ducks and turkeys, are very

susceptible. As

a general rule, growing poultry should not receive more than 20 ppb aflatoxin

in the diet. However, feeding levels lower than 20 ppb may still reduce

their resistance to disease, decrease their ability to withstand stress and

bruising, and generally make them unthrifty.

Laying hens generally can tolerate higher levels than young birds, but levels

should still be less than 50 ppb. Aflatoxin contamination can reduce the

birds’ ability to withstand stress by inhibiting the immune system. This

malfunction can reduce egg size and possible lower egg production. In addition,

one

must pay special attention to the use of contaminated corn in layer rations

because eggs are promptly used as human food and aflatoxin metabolites have

been found in egg yolks.

Mycotoxin levels found in most field situations tend to be low. Yet the

combination of low levels of mycotoxins with the stresses associated with

commercial production situations and/or exposure to disease organisms can

produce

effects in poultry which are subtle, indirect, and sometimes ill-defined. Since

the effects of mycotoxins on poultry are dependent upon the age,

physiological state, and nutritional status of the animals at the time of

exposure, and

since mold growth at various points within the feed production and

distribution system can magnify mycotoxin problems, mycotoxicoses can be

difficult to

diagnose in field situations.

Mycotoxins produced by the mold genus Fusarium include: T-2 toxin and its

chemical relatives (trichothecenes), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin, and

zearalenone. Other animals tend to be more sensitive to the effects of

fumonisin,

deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone when compared to poultry. Nevertheless,

detection of these mycotoxins within poultry rations indicates that the ration

or

the ingredients within the ration have been subjected to mold activity. Since

numerous other mycotoxins, as well as reduced nutritive value and

palatability of feeds, are generated by mold activity, the presence of

fumonisin,

deoxynivalenol, or zearalenone in poultry feeds is cause for concern.

T-2 toxin and trichothecenes can cause mouth and intestinal lesions as well

as impair the birds’ immune response, causing egg production declines,

decreased feed consumption, weight loss, and altered feather patterns. While

much

is yet to be learned, T-2 toxin and related compounds are currently thought to

be most potent Fusarium mycotoxins for poultry.

DON alone has few effects in poultry. However, in field situations the DON

level is sometimes associated with reduced feed consumption in layers and

broiler breeders. This means that DON may be an indicator that T-2 or other

unknown Fusarium mycotoxins are present.

Prepared by:

Beth Genter, Extension Toxicology Specialist

Winston M. Hagler, Director of NCSU Mycotoxin Laboratory

Jeff A. Hansen, Extension Animal Science Specialist

Bob A. Mowrey, Extension Animal Science Specialist

T. , Editor, Extension Poultry Science Specialist

Matt H. Poore, Extension Animal Science Specialist

Lon W. Whitlow, Extension Animal Science Specialist

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