2024-06-21
Moulds and their effect on animal health and performance
There are a number of toxic compounds (mycotoxins) produced by certain species of fungi (moulds) and are capable of causing disease and death in animals. Mould causes liver damage, immune dysfunction, and numerous productivity problems in animals. In addition, mould has been shown to affect nutrient availability by decreasing pancreatic and hepatic enzyme activity, decreasing nutrient absorption, and increasing nutrient excretion. In animals consuming mould-contaminated feed, the levels of pancreatic lipase, amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin are significantly reduced. This reduction in pancreatic enzyme levels results in insufficient digestion and absorption of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Vitamin A deficiency may also result if mouldy or spoiled forages are fed for long periods. Symptoms of a vitamin A deficiency include reproductive problems in both males and females. Pregnant cows may abort, retain their placenta and develop a uterine infection or give birth to weak, dead or blind calves. Bulls with a vitamin A deficiency produce semen with low sperm count and high numbers of abnormalities.