Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs and Their Effect on Dairy Cattle

Abstract

This paper is a review of mycotoxins reported in feedstuffs and their possible effect on dairy cattle and other types of livestock. Toxins of the Aspergilli discussed were the aflatoxins, ochratoxins, patulin and sterigmatocystin. Toxins of the Fusaria included zearalenone, acetamido lactone, tricothecenes and the toxin from F. Solani. Those from the Penicillia were rubratoxins, patulin, citrinin, and the tremorgenic toxins. Other mycotoxins also mentioned were slaframine, sporidesmins, ergots and those from Stachybotrys atra. Emphasis was given to reporting methods of analysis along with a summary of physiological actions of these mycotoxins. Particular attention was given to the excretion and detection of aflatoxin M from cattle and sheep. It is pointed out that the extent of livestock production or death losses from mycotoxin contamination of feeds is not known. © 1972, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.