Mycotoxins might sound complex, but they’re simply harmful compounds produced by molds, and they can pose big risks to pig health. These sneaky toxins can stick around in grains even after the mold itself is gone, which makes them a hidden danger in pig feed.
For pig producers, understanding what mycotoxins are, the issues they cause and how to manage them is key to keeping pigs healthy.
What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic substances that come from mold growth in feed grains like corn, wheat and barley. These toxins are tricky because they don’t always show up with visible mold. Factors like moisture levels, temperature, plant stress, storage conditions and even geography can influence how mold grows and how much mycotoxin is produced. With over 300 harmful mycotoxins identified worldwide, keeping them in check is a big part of managing pig health.
Why Are Mycotoxins Hard to Detect in a Grain Pile?
One of the most frustrating things about mycotoxins is that they’re not evenly spread out in a grain pile. Mold thrives in “hot spots,” creating areas where the mycotoxin levels are high while other spots may seem completely fine.
That’s why a single test of a small sample might not catch the problem. To make things trickier, some mycotoxins can even bind to other molecules and go undetected in regular tests. For these reasons, regular mycotoxin testing and using feed additives that reduce the absorption of toxins are essential preventive steps.
Types of Mycotoxins Affecting Swine
There are several common mycotoxins that tend to show up in pig feed. Each one brings its own set of risks and symptoms:
Aflatoxin: Produced by Aspergillus molds, aflatoxin is often found in corn. Aflatoxicosis in swine can cause liver damage, immune suppression, tumors, reduced feed intake and even death. Pigs, especially young ones, are very sensitive to aflatoxins, which can even pass from sows to piglets through milk or affect piglets before they’re born.
Zearalenone: This mycotoxin acts like estrogen and can disrupt reproduction, causing issues like enlarged mammary glands, vaginal and rectal prolapse and reduced fertility in pigs.
Deoxynivalenol (DON or Vomitoxin): Vomitoxin is notorious for making pigs refuse feed. Even small amounts (1-2 ppm) can cause feed refusal and slow growth, while higher levels (10-20 ppm) can lead to vomiting and complete loss of appetite.
Fumonisin: Fumonisin primarily affects the liver and kidneys but can also cause fluid to build up in the lungs which is particularly dangerous for young pigs.
T-2 Toxin: This toxin can cause feed refusal, gut problems and immune suppression. In high concentrations, it can also cause skin lesions and be fatal.
Toxic Levels of Mycotoxins in Pigs
The level of mycotoxins in feed that’s considered dangerous varies depending on the animal species. Below is a quick overview of the most common mycotoxins that affect swine, the crops impacted and their cautionary levels.
Mycotoxin | Crops Commonly Affected | Cautionary Levels (ppm) | Cautionary Levels (ppb) |
Aflatoxin | Corn, peanuts, cottonseed | 0.02 ppm | 20 ppb |
Zearalenone | Corn, wheat, barley, rye | 0.5 ppm | 500 ppb |
Vomitoxin (DON) | Corn, wheat, barley, rye, oats | 1.0 ppm | 1000 ppb |
Fumonisin | Corn | 5.0 ppm | 5000 ppb |
Ochratoxin | Barley, oilseed crops | 0.2 ppm | 200 ppb |
T-2 | Wheat, barley | 0.5 ppm | 500 ppb |
The Stacking Effect of Mycotoxins in Pigs
It’s important to note that even when mycotoxins are present at seemingly safe levels individually, they can have a stacking effect when combined. This means that when multiple mycotoxins are combined in a feed, they can cause bigger problems for pigs like poor growth, less feed intake and a weaker immune system. So, it’s key to look at the whole picture—not just the individual mycotoxins—to keep your pigs healthy and thriving.
What Do Mycotoxins Do to Pigs?
The effects of mycotoxins on pigs can range from mild to severe health problems. Aside from the specific symptoms of different toxins, pigs may show general signs of mycotoxin contamination, such as:
Reduced feed intake
Slowed growth rates
Diarrhea and vomiting
Liver and kidney damage
Reproductive issues
Immune suppression
Increased susceptibility to infections
Skin lesions
Respiratory distress (in the case of Fumonisin)
How Do You Treat Mycotoxins in Pigs?
If mycotoxins are detected in feed or if symptoms start to show up in your pigs, it’s important to act quickly. The most common approach is using feed additives that help reduce the absorption of toxins in pigs.
IntegraFlo, a product from Ralco, is a feed additive designed to address feed quality concerns, helping to restore vital nutrients and support animal health. It’s a practical and cost-effective way to help support your pigs during times of poor feed quality.
In addition to feed additives like IntegraFlo, here are a few other steps you can take:
Remove contaminated feed: If possible, remove any feed that might have high levels of mycotoxins.
Support the immune system: Provide supplements that help the immune system. Ralco’s ProsperEO is a natural feed or water additive that can help support the immune system and boost overall health.
Monitor for secondary infections: Because mycotoxins weaken the immune system, your pigs are more prone to other illnesses. Keep a close eye on them and act fast if you notice any new symptoms.
How Do You Prevent Mycotoxins in Pigs?
Prevention is always the best defense against mycotoxins. Here are a few key ways to reduce the risk of contamination in your pig feed:
Control Grain Moisture: Keep moisture levels below 14% during storage to prevent mold growth. Properly drying grain during and after harvest is critical. Avoid piling grain outside, especially uncovered, as this creates hot spots where mold thrives.
Regular Testing: While regularly testing feed can sometimes be expensive, it’s a necessary step in preventing contamination. Make sure to take samples from multiple spots in the grain pile for accurate results.
Feed Additives: Adding products like IntegraFlo to your feed helps undesirable substances pass through the digestive system and restores vital nutrients.
Grain Rotation: Use fresh grains when possible and rotate your stock to avoid the buildup of mycotoxins. Storing grain for too long increases the risk of contamination.
Ralco Mycotoxin Testing
Ralco offers mycotoxin testing to help producers manage this risk. Ralco’s lab services provide accurate results and help you interpret them, so you can make the best decisions for your feed management program.
Contact your Ralco representative today or call Ralco's customer service at 1-800-533-5306 to connect with the lab team and schedule your testing today.
Final Thoughts
Mycotoxins are a hidden threat in swine production, with serious consequences for pig health and performance. Whether it’s aflatoxin causing liver damage, zearalenone disrupting reproduction or DON leading to feed refusal, the effects of mycotoxins are far-reaching. By understanding the risks, testing regularly and using feed additives like IntegraFlo alongside immune boosters like ProsperEO, you can minimize the damage.
IntegraFlo – Maintain Feed Quality
IntegraFlo is a feed additive for use when feed quality concerns arise, helps restore vital nutrients and maintain health.
BENEFITS
Helps undesirable substances pass through the digestive system
Helps restore vital nutrients
Helps maintain health during times of challenge
ProsperEO - Drive Health and Performance
ProsperEO is an everyday natural feed or water additive to support animal health during a broad range of challenges. It contains patented Microfused® Essential Oils and Actifibe® Prebiotic.
BENEFITS
Helps produce efficient growth through production
Supports digestive health
Prebiotics support immunity