Corn is a primary raw material in the diets of livestock and poultry. Prolonged feeding with diets containing moldy corn not only harms animals but also leaves harmful substances in their bodies, posing hidden risks to human health. When corn becomes moldy, it can be contaminated by mycotoxins, which are toxic metabolites produced by molds.
There are several types of mycotoxins that commonly affect corn:
1. **Toxicosis Toxin**: This toxin primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, gasping, shortness of breath, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, and fever. In severe cases, it may lead to diarrhea. Necropsy of infected chicks often reveals yellow-white cheesy nodules in the lungs.
2. **Aflatoxin B1**: One of the most dangerous mycotoxins, it mainly damages the liver, leading to liver cell degeneration, necrosis, and acute liver injury. It can also cause subcutaneous hemorrhage, reduced semen volume in roosters, embryo death, lower hatching rates, decreased egg production, and delayed recovery. Additionally, it weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to diseases like coccidiosis, Marek's disease, and Salmonella.
3. **F-2 Toxin**: This toxin affects the reproductive system and tissues sensitive to sex hormones, acting similarly to estrogen. Some chickens may develop pseudo-hen characteristics, with symptoms including swollen ovaries and damaged oviducts. Egg quality also declines, with reduced specific gravity, thinner shells, and poor pigmentation.
4. **T-2 Toxin**: It irritates the oral mucosa of chickens, causing corrosive and exudative damage. Lesions include scaly tissue deformation in oral ulcers and salivary glands. It also reduces egg production and increases the number of shell eggs.
5. **Ochratoxin**: This toxin primarily targets the kidneys, leading to white urine and urate deposits. It also causes immunosuppression, early embryo death, reduced fertilization and hatching rates, and increased embryo malformations. Other symptoms include diarrhea and weight loss.
For lightly contaminated corn, several treatment methods can be applied:
2.1 **Dilution**: A small amount of mildly moldy corn can be gradually mixed with normal corn for use.
2.2 **Washing**: Moldy corn should be crushed and soaked in 3–4 times its weight in water, stirred, and rinsed twice daily until the water runs clear. It should be used promptly after washing.
2.3 **De-embryo Detoxification**: Most toxins are concentrated in the germ of the corn. By grinding the corn into small particles and soaking it in water, the germ floats to the surface and can be removed, effectively reducing toxin levels.
2.4 **Physical Adsorption**: Minerals like bentonite, zeolite, and activated carbon, as well as compounds such as bovine serum albumin and esterified mannooligosaccharides, can adsorb mycotoxins.
2.5 **Chemical Treatment**: Lime water, soda, hydrogen peroxide, or synthetic laxatives like magnesium sulfate can be used to neutralize toxins.
2.6 **Supplementary Nutrients**: Adding vitamins (such as A, D, E, K), folic acid, organic selenium, methionine, and other nutrients can help alleviate the effects of mycotoxin poisoning. Probiotics like lactic acid bacteria and yeast, as well as enzyme formulations, can also reduce toxicity.
For heavily contaminated corn, it is best to purchase it centrally, store it separately, and send it for inspection. Corn with high levels of toxins should not be used for food or feed and must be destroyed to prevent any risk.
In conclusion, even lightly contaminated corn should be handled carefully. Long-term use can pose serious health risks to both animals and humans. Always prioritize safety when dealing with moldy corn.
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