Prevention and control of fungal contamination and Mycotoxicosisin Animal and Poultry Feed

摘要

Fungal contamination is a very common problem associated with the stored feed and fodder. Farmers unconsciously feed these feed and fodder to their animals without knowing that it is contaminated with the mycotoxins. Various methods (Physical, Chemical and Irradiation) can be used to prevent such contamination. FODDER or animal feed used specifically to feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goat, poultry etc includes hay, straw, silage, pelleted feed, mixed rations or legumesetc. The contamination of such feed and fodder with fungus or moulds and their spores and toxins is reported worldwide. Fungus is a major threat in the form of mycotoxins (secondary metabolites of fungus). Fungal contamination of feed and fodder is not desirable due to the production of mycotoxins, which can impair health and productivity. Most important mycotoxins commonly associated with feed and fodder includes, Anatoxins, Ochratoxins, Putulin, Penicillic acid, Citrinin, Zearalenone and Trichiathecenes. The harmful moulds also cause diseases in animals due to the release of mycotoxins. Feed contaminated with mycotoxins is less palatable to animals and poultry.