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Poultry Disease
How can mycotoxins in feed contribute to poultry diseases?
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4 Replies
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Fowlpox is the worldwide disease of poultry caused by viruses of the family Poxviridae and the genus Avipoxvirus.
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1. Immune Suppression: Mycotoxins can weaken the immune system, making poultry more susceptible to infections and diseases like bacterial and viral infections. This can lead to higher mortality rates and reduced productivity.
2. Liver and Kidney Damage: Some mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, can cause liver and kidney damage. This can result in reduced growth, poor feed conversion rates, and even organ failure in severe cases.
3. Reproductive Issues: Certain mycotoxins like ochratoxin can impair the reproductive system, leading to reduced fertility, egg production, or hatchability. This is especially problematic for laying hens.
4. Gastrointestinal Problems: Mycotoxins may cause digestive tract irritation, leading to reduced feed intake, diarrhea, and nutrient malabsorption. This can affect growth rates and overall health.
5. Neurological Symptoms: Some mycotoxins, like fumonisins, can affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms like ataxia (lack of coordination), tremors, or even sudden death in extreme cases.
6. Poor Growth and Development: Exposure to mycotoxins can stunt growth, delay development, and cause general poor condition, impacting the economic performance of poultry operations.
7. Reduction in Feed Intake: Mycotoxins can cause feed aversion, where animals refuse to eat contaminated feed, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.
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One of the impact of mycotoxins in feed is immunosuppression. Once birds immunity is affected means there are possibilities of microorganism infection which are ubiquitous in poukltry farm premises like E.coli infection, Infectious bursal disease, inclusion body hepatitis and newcastle disease etc.,
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