Current status of mycotoxicoses in India and their control
2008
Dwivedi, P. | Sharma, A.K. | Singh, N.D.
Mycotoxins are a relatively large, diverse group of naturally occurring, secondary metabolites mainly produced by certain fungi (e.g. Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Fusarium sp.) that grow on human food and animal feed. Mycotoxins produce carcinogenic, immunotoxic, neurotoxic and teratogenic effects. The mycotoxins of greatest concern include: aflatoxin B1, which is generally produced by Aspergillus mould; deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 Toxin, and fumonisin b1, which are produced by Fusarium moulds; ochratoxin A and citrinin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium moulds. There are hundreds of different mycotoxins which are diverse in their chemistry and effects on animals. Feed samples may be contaminated with more than one mycotoxins simultaneously. Numerous toxin binding agents like, HSCAS (Hydrated sodium calcium alumino silicate), zeolite, bentonites, clay and activated carbons (charcoal) have currently been used to counteract the mycotoxicoses in animals and its carry over effect through animal products like milk, meat and eggs. Mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) extracted from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has shown broad spectrum efficacy against most of the mycotoxins including ochratoxin A specially in conjunction with antioxidants like vitamin C. Application of several natural (vitamins, provitamins, carotenoid, chlorophyll and its derivatives, phenolics and selenium) and synthetic (butylated hydroxynisole and butylated hydroxy toluene) compounds with antioxidant properties seem to be considerably efficacious. Dietary modifications such as enhancing the protein level in diet and supplementation with phenylalanine and vitamin A have been found promising in alleviating the adverse effect of mycotoxins to a great extent. However, the best way to control mycotoxicosis problem is by prevention of toxigenic fungal contamination and mycotoxin elaboration through improved agricultural practices and storage of livestock/poultry feed.
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