Proof of mycotoxicoses being a field problem and a simple method for their control

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Mycotoxicology

Background:

• Moldy feed can harbor mycotoxins, posing risks to animal health and productivity.
• The economic impact of undefined mycotoxicoses in poultry production is not fully understood.
• Standard feed hygiene practices may be crucial for mitigating mycotoxin exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of cleaning moldy feed delivery systems on broiler chicken performance.
• To assess the relationship between feed hygiene, mycotoxin presence, and economic outcomes in poultry.
• To determine if simple preventive measures can control mycotoxicoses in broiler chickens.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a field trial involving thorough scrubbing and disinfection of feed delivery equipment.
• Monitored body weight, pigmentation, and carcass grade of broiler chickens.
• Quantified levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin in feed, though findings suggest other mycotoxins were present.

Main Results:

• Broiler chickens fed from cleaned equipment showed significant improvements in body weight, pigmentation, and carcass grade.
• These improvements occurred despite low and infrequent levels of detected aflatoxin and ochratoxin.
• The results indicate that mycotoxicoses, even at subclinical levels, can negatively affect broiler production.

Conclusions:

• Simple preventive measures, such as rigorous cleaning and disinfection of feed systems, can effectively improve broiler chicken health and economic returns.
• Mycotoxicoses, potentially involving unidentified mycotoxins, can have a significant detrimental economic impact on poultry farming.
• Enhanced feed hygiene is a practical strategy for partially controlling mycotoxicoses and their adverse effects in broiler production.