October 22, 2010

Canadian swine producers warned of feed contamination

Canada swine producers are warned to be aware of potential fusarium contaminated feed grains, according to Dr Martin Nyachoti of the University of Manitoba.

Swine producers are being advised to monitor feed quality and watch the performance of their herds to avoid any problems associated with fusarium head blight-infected feed grains. The fungus produces the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol or vomitoxin also known as DON.

Fusarium head blight infects primarily cereal crops producing a mycotoxin that reduces end use quality of the grain.

Preliminary data has shown the unusually warm wet 2010 growing conditions have resulted in higher than normal levels of fusarium, especially winter wheat. Nyachoti said it should not exceed one part per million (ppm) of the mycotoxin in the complete feed.

Nyachoti noted that the impact of DON on pig performance will vary depending on a range of factors but some reviews have indicated that for every ppm increase you'll see about a 7.5% reduction in feed intake.