Biomin tackles topic of mycotoxin effect on gastrointestinal tract

In one of the latest videos on Biomin's Mycotoxin Channel on YouTube, the effects of mycotoxin DON on the gastrointestinal tract was discussed.

DON, also known as deoxynivalenol or vomitoxin, is one of the most commonly occurring of Fusarium mycotoxins often associated with illness in livestock or humans.

The gastrointestinal tract is the first barrier that DON encounters in the animal's body. Once ingested, DON weakens the intestine significantly, altering its protective barrier function and allowing more contaminants to enter the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. This produces a damaging health effect on the animal.

From a weakened gastrointestinal tract, bacteria are then able to translocate themselves to the rest of the animal body, said Dr. Isabelle Oswald of the French National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) in the clip.

Besides the effects of DON, Dr. Oswald also touched on the long-term effects of mycotoxins on pigs, and ways to analyse the mycotoxin effect in the gastrointestinal tract, on the Mycotoxin Channel.

Dr. Oswald is the head of immuno-mycotoxicology at INRA, specialising in research on the impact of mycotoxins on the immune system, particularly in pigs.

The Mycotoxin Channel consists of webinars that address specific questions on mycotoxin problems and mycotoxin management issues around the world. Topical sections include analysis, mycotoxin risk management, mycotoxins in general and symptoms.