Talks of mycotoxins are popping up around grain production and the National Pork Board says that the mold impacts more than just harvest quality.
Mycotoxins are a type of mold that grows on feedstuffs, and with each year comes varying degrees of the toxin between seed and feed. The impact depends on growing factors for the crop, as well as if the grain is damaged, immature, or drought-stricken.
The National Pork Board says that it can also impact livestock production when found in feed.
“It impacts growth, impacts feed efficiency, impacts feed intake, impacts reproduction, and immune suppression, so there are lots of things that mycotoxins can have an impact on,” according to Dr. Chris Hosteler.
Feed mills and row crop farmers monitor and test for mycotoxins in grain.
The National Pork Board recommends livestock producers consult with their veterinarian over herd health concerns.
