Mycotoxicosis, Biology

Assignment Help:

Mycotoxicosis

There are several types of mycotoxins (toxins produced by the fungi) e.g. aflatoxin, ochratoxin etc. Many species of fungi produce them but Aspergillus flavus is the main contributor. Peanut meal, corn meal, cottonseed meal cake, many grains allow the fungus to grow rapidly if the moisture content and storage temperature is favourable. Mostly food grains rejected for human consumption due to fungal infestation are used in poultry feed that becomes mycotoxin-laden feed. These mycotoxins are not destroyed easily by heat, chemical treatments or prolonged storage. Moreover, after consumption by poultry, they are deposited in liver and go on getting accumulated. The consumption of such birds by human population results in ingestion of intoxicated meat.

Symptoms and lesions: Young birds appear to be more susceptible than adult birds.

Mortality depends upon the quantity and duration of consumption of toxicated feed by the host. Initially, they show lethargy, loss of appetite, impaired growth, ruffled feathers and drooping wings. Higher level of toxicity results in ataxia, opisthotonus and convulsions. Low doses do not cause death of a bird but are responsible for several ill-effects including impaired growth and intermittent secondary infections and immunosuppression. Ducks rank higher on mycotoxin sensitivity than poultry. Initially liver becomes swollen and discolored in appearance but later becomes cirrhotic and nodular. Ascites, hydropericardium and catarrhal enteritis are frequently present. Aflatoxin is carcinogenic; tumors usually develop in the liver.

Diagnosis: It is generally based upon history and lesions. Analysis of affected feed will confirm the diagnosis.

Prevention and control: Proper storage of feed in a cool dry place, avoiding long storing and dampness, replacement/ frequent raking of wet litter and use of toxin binders in feed are the standard methods.


Related Discussions:- Mycotoxicosis

Horse diseases-equine encephalomyelitis, Equine encephalomyelitis Encep...

Equine encephalomyelitis Encephalomyelitis or inflammation of the brain tissue and the spinal cord, can be brought about by different viruses. Eastern-, Western- and Venezuelan

Gonads and ovary - reproduction, Normal 0 false false false...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Define classification of carbohydrates - disaccharides, Define classificati...

Define classification of carbohydrates - Disaccharides? Disaccharides are condensation products of two monosaccharide units joined together by a linkage called glycosidic linka

Determine the symptoms of cholera, Determine the Symptoms of Cholera  A...

Determine the Symptoms of Cholera  An infective dose of around one million organisms should be ingested to cause illness. The bacteria adhere to the small intestine wall, where

Taxonomy, newer trends of animal taxonomy

newer trends of animal taxonomy

Interdependance, Give an example of how two organisms are interdependent.

Give an example of how two organisms are interdependent.

Physiology of the heart, The heart is the muscular pump that pushes blood t...

The heart is the muscular pump that pushes blood through the circulatory system. Each heartbeat can be felt as an arterial pulse. The heart valves when closed prevent the blood fro

What are the hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex, Q. What are the hormo...

Q. What are the hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex? What are their respective functions? The cortical portion of the adrenals secretes hormones of the corticoid (or cortic

Define the toxicity of vitamin b12, Define the Toxicity of Vitamin B 12 ? ...

Define the Toxicity of Vitamin B 12 ? Intake of 1000 μg vitamin B 12 has never been reported to have any side-effects.  Similar large amounts have been used in some preparati

Explain gastrointestinal, Gastrointestinal Antibiotic prophylaxis is re...

Gastrointestinal Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for esophageal surgery in the presence of obstruction, which increases the risk of infection. After gas troduodenal surge

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd