Denise Beaulieu

IntroductionErgot alkaloids (EA) are a group of compounds produced primarily by fungi of the Claviceps and Epichloë spp. Ergot infection has traditionally been associated with grasses and rye, however when conditions are favourable, other important cereals such as wheat, barley, triticale and oats can become infected. The fungus prefers cool, moist conditions during the flowering phase of the ...

1. IntroductionDeoxynivalenol (DON), commonly known as vomitoxin, is a potent mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, and its presence in wheat, corn, and barley crops can lead to them being downgraded to livestock feed grade. Pigs, and in particular young piglets, are poorly tolerant to DON contamination. Although extremely high doses of contamination in feed (20 mg/kg feed) will i ...

INTRODUCTIONWeaning is a critical time in a piglet’s life. They are exposed to many new stressors, including immune challenges. These stressors can lead to reduced feed intake and growth, and an inflammatory response will be generated. Although a certain degree of inflammatory response is beneficial during this time, an over-production of immune cells can be detrimental, leading to increased ...

INTRODUCTIONThe presence of DON contamination in grain is directly related to the presence of head or ear blight produced by Fusarium fungi, which in turn is directly related to the moisture content at flowering and/ or harvest. Possibly due to recent high stress growing seasons, we have seen an increase in the presence of DON contaminated grains in the Prairie Provinces, and it is expected that D ...

FAST FACTSBackground
Weaning is the most stressful time in a piglet’s life
The stress of weaning can cause an immune reaction and a growth lag (slowed growth)
An immune reaction is a good bodily defense mechanism against foreign invaders, but an overly active immune system can be harmful
Many nutritional strategies have attempted to improve piglet welfare at weaning
Prairie Sw ...