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

Explain complete and incomplete digestive system , Normal 0 fal...

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

What do you mean by borrowed materials, Q. What do you mean by Borrowed Mat...

Q. What do you mean by Borrowed Materials? For the study of as much relevant material as possible the material is obtained on loan. Borrowed specimens benefit the' lending inst

How can the endoskeleton of echinoderm, Q How can the endoskeleton of echin...

Q How can the endoskeleton of echinoderms be characterized in comparison to analogous structures present in vertebrates, arthropods and molluscs? The echinoderm skeleton is int

Define dietary modifications in the diet of the elderly, Define Dietary mod...

Define Dietary modifications in the diet of the elderly? Loss of teeth due to increased decay of teeth and gums is common in aged person. Fitting dentures may also make chewin

Acupunture-osteopathy-herbal therapy, Alternative Therapies Assignment 1...

Alternative Therapies Assignment 1. A. Acupunture, B.  Osteopathy, C.  Herbal therapy For each one of alternative therapies above, answers the three questions below! 1. Th

Chemical weathering-formation of soil, Chemical Weathering The rocks wh...

Chemical Weathering The rocks while getting disintegrated may also undergo chemical change. Water is an important agent in bringing about chemical changes due to dissolution or

What do you understand by cyanogenic glycosides, Q. What do you understand ...

Q. What do you understand by Cyanogenic glycosides? Cyanogenic glycosides are present in a number of food plants and seeds. Cassava is a staple dietary item in tropical Afri

Find the effective spring constant of the molecule, A Molecule of DNA is 2....

A Molecule of DNA is 2.17 um long. The ends of the molecule become strongly ionixed: negative on one end, positive on the other. The helical molecule acts like a spring and compres

How can you categorize flowering plants, Q. What are the two major groups i...

Q. What are the two major groups into which flowering plants are divided? Angiosperm plants are separated into monocotyledonous (monocots) and dicotyledonous (dicots).

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