Mycotoxins in Ruminant Nutrition: A Comprehensive Review of Occurrence, Toxicological Effects, and Mitigation Strategies

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that commonly contaminate ruminant feedstuffs including cereal grains, silage, and hay. This review synthesizes information from nine key sources regarding the occurrence, toxicological effects, rumen metabolism, and mitigation strategies for major mycotoxins affecting cattle, sheep, and goats. Aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins, ochratoxins, emerging mycotoxins (enniatins, beauvericin), and Alternaria toxins are frequently detected in ruminant feeds. Clinical manifestations include reduced feed intake, decreased weight gain, diminished milk production and quality, immunosuppression, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress, and reproductive disorders. The rumen’s detoxification capacity varies among mycotoxin types and can be compromised by high-concentrate diets and acidosis. Multi-mycotoxin contamination is common, potentially producing additive or synergistic effects. Effective mitigation requires integrated approaches including good agricultural practices, proper storage, and scientifically validated feed additives such as clay minerals, yeast cell wall components, and phytogenic compounds (silymarin, curcumin). This review provides evidence-based recommendations for mycotoxin management in ruminant production systems based exclusively on the provided literature

کلیدواژه ها:

mycotoxins ، aflatoxins ، deoxynivalenol ، zearalenone ، feed additives