PONNUSAMI POTHIAPPAN, K. VIJAYAKARAN, GHADEVARU SARATHCHANDRA AND P. TENSINGH GNANARAJ
Abstract
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi under special conditions of moisture and temperature. Low levels of aflatoxin contaminated feed are toxic to piglets. Aflatoxin toxicity has been reported in all groups of pigs. An investigation was carried out an organized piggery unit to find out the cause of diarrhea in a group of unweaned piglets. Affected piglets were not responding to antibiotic treatment for past one week and suspected for feed contamination. Samples of feed were collected from different places of feed stores at the time of episode. Collected feed samples were analysed for the presence of mycotocxins by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). On analysis swine grower feed containing Aflatoxin B1 50 ppb and Citrinin 40 ppb and swine creep feed containing 40 ppb of Aflatoxin B1 Citrinin 100 ppb were revealed. Suggestion was given to withhold the contaminated feed for piglets. On withdrawal of toxin containing feed there was reversal of clinical signs. It is imperative to monitor the feed samples entering the farm that is intended for feeding livestock for mycotoxin residue, so as to enhance the health status of the livestock and ensure residue free meat for human consumption.