Elevated Vomitoxin Possible in Some Canadian Grains

August 24, 2005 — (ed. Eric van Heughton)

In a recent Farmscape.ca interview, Canadian researcher Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra, University of Alberta Feed Industry Chair, warned livestock producers of an increased risk of fungal infection in cereal grains as a result of the abundant rainfall and elevated temperatures in certain regions of Canada. These factors have combined to promote the growth of Fusarium graminearum throughout Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan.

Dr. Zijlstra indicated that pigs are especially susceptible to exposure to the toxin produced by F. graminearum, called DON or vomitoxin. Reportedly, swine begin to reduce feed consumption at levels of approximately 1ppm and complete feed refusal may be seen at levels exceeding 10ppm. Vomiting has been reported to occur as well.

According to Diseases of Swine, F. graminearum can also produce zearalenone or F-2 toxin. Exposure to zearalenone in prepuberal gilts can result in vulvovaginitis and prolapse at concentrations of 1 - 3ppm. In breeding-age sows, levels >3ppm can manifest clinically as reproductive problems including early embryonic death.

Sources:
http://www.farmscape.ca/f2ShowScript.aspx?i=21775&q=Livestock+Producers+Cautioned+to+be+Aware+of+Elevated+Fusarium+Risk+in+Feed+Grains
Osweiler, G. D. 1999. Mycotoxins. In Diseases of Swine, 8th ed. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, pp. 731-742.