Fungi produce toxic substances, known as mycotoxins, as a form of defence against the environment. The development of mycotoxins is subject to specific environmental factors, such as warm temperatures, high humidity and the presence of nitrogen and oxygen.The three predominant types of fungi-aspergillus, fusarium and penicillium-are often found in cereal crops that have suffered wet weather or insect damage before harvest, or they develop over time during storage.When ingested, mycotoxins can have serious implications for all livestock. Health risks include growth retardation, infertility, imrnu-notoxicity, liver failure, mtestinal destruction and even death.
展开▼
