The main mycotoxins are the following ones:
Aflatoxins: These are probably the most important mycotoxins at global level. However they usually occur in warmer climates than Ireland. Important feeds including cereals, groundnut can be contaminated. Aflatoxins are regarded as a significant issue in the feed industry. Exposure to undesirable levels of aflatoxin can result in reduced feed intake, weight loss and possibly rapid death. Adult cattle are more resistant to alfatoxins but calves are more vulnerable.
Ochratoxin and Citrinin: These mycotoxins can be produced by aspergillus moulds in cool wet climates. Wet harvests and poor storage increase the risk. These mycotoxins can affect liver and kidney function leading to poorer growth rate in some species. Ochratoxin is thought to be the main mycotoxin likely to occur in stored feed in Irish Conditions.
Zearalenone: This mycotoxin is an oestrogenic compound and can mimic the female hormone oestrogen. At high levels it could interfere with ovulation, conception and foetal development, abortion and still birth particularly in pigs. Zearalenones can occur in hays and silages as well as other feeds.
Vomitoxins (also called DON): Can inhibit growth and feed intake. May cause vomiting hence the name. Ruminants are much more resistant to vomitoxins than non ruminants.
T-2 Toxins: Can affect feed intake.
Fumonisin: Fumonisin B1 is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, one of the major species found in corn. There are no known commercial or medical uses of fumonisin B1.