Mycotoxin survey in swine feed 2015-Taiwan

In 2015, Life Rainbow mycotoxin analysis lab collected 248 feed samples from our swine farm customers in Taiwan. The survey provides essential information on the feed pollution situation of Aflatoxin, Zearalenone, Fumonisins, and DON in Taiwan. All the samples were analyzed using ELISA and the Mycotoxin analysis kit purchased from Romer’s lab.

 

The results show that 90% of feed was contaminated with DON; 76% of feed was contaminated with Zearalenone; 66% of feed was contaminated with Fumonisins; and 63% of feed was contaminated with Aflatoxin.

 

Table 1: 2015 Mycotoxin contamination in swine feed in Taiwan.

 

Except for Aflatoxin, the level of Zearalenone, Fumonisins, and DON can compromise the growth performance and even danger the health status of Swine (Cheng et al. 2006; Pinton et al. 2008; Prelusky et al. 1994). More than that, most of feed samples are multi-contaminated by more than 2 types of mycotoxins, which often added damage to the animals.

 

Averagely, more than 70% of swine feed in Taiwan is contaminated by mycotoxins. This can be due to the dramatic weather condition in the exporting countries (ex: USA and Brazil), the shipping conditions, and the storage condition in Taiwan. It is important for pig farmers to keep this information in mind, and to take action in protecting the animals!

 

1. Cheng, Yeong-Hsiang, Ching-Feng Weng, Bao-Ji Chen, and Ming-Huang Chang. 2006. “Toxicity of Different Fusarium Mycotoxins on Growth Performance, Immune Responses and Efficacy of a Mycotoxin Degrading Enzyme in Pigs.” Animal Research 55(6):579–90. Retrieved January 28, 2016 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/animres:2006032).

2. Pinton, Philippe et al. 2008. “Ingestion of Deoxynivalenol (DON) Contaminated Feed Alters the Pig Vaccinal Immune Responses.” Toxicology letters 177(3):215–22. Retrieved January 28, 2016 (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427408000258).

3. Prelusky, Dan B. et al. 1994. “Effects of Low-Level Dietary Deoxynivalenol on Haematological and Clinical Parameters of the Pig.” Natural Toxins 2(3):97–104. Retrieved January 28, 2016 (http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/nt.2620020302).