24 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | December 2024 SWINE HEALTH ONTARIO Mycotoxins in feed can be an underlying health concern at any time. The wrap-up of fall harvest serves as a reminder to be vigilant about toxin levels, especially if higher levels have been detected in the fields. Dr. Meeka Capozzalo, manager of nutrition and research at Molesworth Farm Supply, reminds hog farmers that grains naturally contain a multitude of toxins at varying levels, but it’s when toxin levels are high or concentrated that problems can occur. “Toxins are nearly always present – the risk to hogs just depends on the specific toxins and levels present,” she says. “That’s why it’s so important to look at grains and feed as a whole by monitoring and testing for a variety of toxins if there is a concern.” Mycotoxins can be present in any grain. In Ontario, the toxins that affect hogs the most are primarily found in corn. According to Capozzalo, vomitoxin, also known as deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZER) are the most common mycotoxins. Both occur naturally in corn, and feed refusal is the most common sign or symptom of these toxins in hog feed. The third type hog farmers need to watch for are T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Capozzalo says T-2 and HT-2 first became routinely tested in Ontario about four years ago, and due to their high cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects, T-2 and HT-2 toxins pose significant health risks. She points out that T-2 and HT-2 toxins can be up to five times more toxic to hogs than vomitoxin, and despite this, T-2 and HT-2 toxins haven’t been studied as much as DON and ZER. Animal health The effects of mycotoxins on hog health can vary by type of toxin, levels in feed, and animal production stage. Dr. Greg Wideman, a veterinarian with South West Vets, says that one of the highest risk times for mycotoxins for pigs is during the grower phase when their feed intake per kilogram of body weight is at the highest. In other words, the stage when hogs are eating the most feed in proportion to their HEALTHY FEED FOR HEALTHY HOGS Mycotoxin threats & strategies for reduction. By Jeanine Moyer Take proactive measures and test for toxins in feed and feed rations. Jodie Aldred photo
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