Zearalenone in pig feed - a challenge to solve

摘要

Is zearalenone (ZEA) a problem for pigs? In fact, every mycotoxin can be an issue for animals, but ZEA deserves special attention in swine reproduction. In spite of good preventive measures, it proves to be one of the most serious problems in farrowing units.Zearalenone is a secondary metabolite of fungi of the Fusarium genera, in particular F. culmorum, F. graminearum and F. crookwellense. These fungi colonise cereals mostly during the harvest and are typically found in regions with a temperate climate. Zearalenone is very often co-occurring with another important mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON). Co-occurrence can potentiate negative effects.