Review: Mycotoxins in ruminant livestock production: An underestimated and overlooked risk and opportunity?

Abstract

Purpose

This review summarizes currently available information relevant to potential risk and possible justi- fied response to mycotoxin exposure in ruminant livestock. Two basic questions are addressed: primarily, have my- cotoxins been underestimated or overlooked in ruminant production, and, if so, what remediations are practically available?

Sources

The information in this review came from scientific journals and professional meeting proceedings. Summary data from a proprietary company database are used to support relevant research findings.

Synthesis

Published literature supports the hypoth- esis that ruminant susceptibility to mycotoxin exposure poses a more significant hazard than historically assumed. Estimates of exposure have been restricted by testing pro- tocols and by failure to account for all potential toxin sources, additive and synergistic effects, and the effects of chronic low-level exposure. Mycotoxins can cause diverse short- and long-term negative outcomes with potential to reduce performance, efficiency, and health. Various my- cotoxin remediation products have been evaluated and employed. Although additional research is needed, it ap- pears that those combining proven, targeted sequestration agents with ingredients known to deactivate specific toxins or support the animal’s natural defense systems represent the most efficacious approach.

Conclusions and Applications

Continued improve- ment in mycotoxin awareness and management may allevi- ate a potential limiting factor in dairy and beef produc- tion. Broader assessment of actual animal exposure across a range of feeding programs and environments is needed to better understand mycotoxin hazards. Additional research should further clarify modes of action and metabolic im- pacts specific to ruminants, better quantify related production losses, and provide comparative assessments of specific remediation programs.