Moulds and fungi can infect grains and cause mycotoxin production. A number of mycotoxins affect pig performance. The presence of mould or fungi does not guarantee the presence of mycotoxins and there may not be any obvious mould when mycotoxins are present. Temperature and humidity during the growth and harvest periods along with oxygen availability during growth, harvest, transport, storage and insect or bird damage contribute to mycotoxin production. Pigs are more susceptible to mycotoxin than many other livestock animals. Obtaining a sample that represents the lot of feed is very difficult. 12-20 subsamples should be collected throughout the feed for testing as they are usually unevenly distributed throughout the load. Contamination is usually higher in the lighter fractions, such as shriveled kernels, screenings, grain dust, etc. Masks should be worn when working with grain to avoid dust inhalation. Guidelines for feeding mycotoxins in swine diets in Canada are listed.
Feeding Mycotoxin Contaminated Grain (full article)
