Mycotoxins are produced by certain types of molds. If these molds invade feed ingredients, they may produce toxic compounds that contaminate feed.
Molds can infect grain standing in the field as well as during harvesting, handling, and storage.
Although over 200 mycotoxins have been identified, only a few are believed to influence swine performance. Risk from mycotoxin-contaminated feeds depends on the age and health of the pig and level of toxin in the feed. The most severe effect is death, but low levels of mycotoxin can depress pig performance and general well-being. When pigs consume diets containing a harmful mycotoxin, the toxin can affect the pigs nervous system, liver, kidney, immune system or reproductive process. There is more information available about aflatoxin and its effect on pig performance than any other toxin.