Prevalence of the main mycotoxins in fodder raw materials and their characteristic

Mycotoxins are low molecular weight secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi. The most relevant groups of mycotoxins found in animal feed are produced by three genera of fungi: Aspergillus , Penicillium , and Fusarium species. Animal feeds are routinely contaminated by mycotoxins from diverse sources. In most cases, the concentrations are low enough to ensure compliance with Maximum Permitted Levels. Poultry, pigs and also aquatic vertebrates are very sensitive to mycotoxins. Ruminants are, however, generally more resistant to the adverse effects of mycotoxins, since the rumen microbiota is capable of degrading mycotoxins. Mycotoxins cause huge economic damage, leading to increased costs for health and veterinary care, as well as reduce livestock production. The effects of long-term exposure of aflatoxins are associated with the reduction of weight gain, decreased milk or egg production, teratogenicity. Ochratoxin A causes renal toxicity and possesses carcinogenic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive and possibly neurotoxic properties...