An Epidemiological Study of the Association Between Delayed Estrus in Swine and Low Levels of Aflatoxin B1, in Naturally Contaminated Feed

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi found as contaminants of feed grains. Some mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), zearalenone (ZE) , deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, and T-2 toxin, are toxic to animals when ingested, inhaled, and when topically applied. Many of the toxins affecting animal production are produced by fungal species from three genera: Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. These fungi are ubiquitous and under suitable environmental conditions will grow and produce toxic metabolites in feedstuffs and foods.