Micotoxinas na dieta de bovinos de corte: revisão

This review was carried out with the objective of describing metabolic changes, clinical signs, methods of prevention, control and detoxification of the main mycotoxins consumed by beef cattle. After the discovery of aflatoxin and the problems that this can cause for animals and also in humans, especially cancer, scientific research has increased year after year, and today more than 18000 secondary metabolites produced by fungi are described, but the most studied are: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, zearalenone, patulin, fumonisin and Ergot alkaloids. Ruminants generally require higher concentrations of mycotoxins in the diet when compared to monogastrics for clinical symptoms of intoxication. This happens because some mycotoxins can be partially or fully degraded by rumen microorganisms. However, ruminal fermentation does not necessarily result in inactivation of the toxin, and the extent of metabolism depends the type of mycotoxin consumed, animal species, age, sex, breed, type of diet and consequently the types of microorganisms that inhabit the rumen. In addition, some mycotoxins have antimicrobial action and can negatively alter rumen metabolism. The presence of mycotoxins in the diet can affect productive and reproductive performance, which can lead to high economic losses. Thus, cattle production systems must adopt agricultural practices that minimize the production of these metabolites.