Mycotoxins And Animal Foods

The ingestion of feed containing mycotoxins has serious adverse effects on the health of farm animals, contributing to reduced weight gain, lower reproductivity, damage to the immune system, severe illnesses, and even death. Mycotoxins formed in animal feedstuffs depend on the presence of specific strains of filamentous fungi or molds and are strongly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. This book considers the biological nature of mycotoxin formation, the chemical and biological methods of analysis, as well as the extensive range of substrates capable of supporting the growth of toxigenic fungi. The book also provides extensive coverage of the mycotoxicoses of farmed animals and the current state of research into the control and detoxification of mycotoxins. All researchers interested in mycotoxins and their effects on animals will find important information in this book.

Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by fungi, pose a significant contamination risk in both animal feed and foods for human consumption. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Mycotoxins in food summarises the wealth of recent research on how to assess the risks from mycotoxins, detect particular mycotoxins and control them at differing stages in the supply chain. Part one addresses risk assessment techniques, sampling methods, modelling and detection techniques used to measure the risk of mycotoxin contamination and the current regulations governing mycotoxin limits in food. Part two looks at how the risk of contamination may be controlled, with chapters on the use of HACCP systems and mycotoxin control at different stages in the supply chain. Two case studies demonstrate how these controls work for particular products. The final section details particular mycotoxins, from ochratoxin A and patulin to zearalenone and fumonisins. Mycotoxins in food is a standard reference for all those concerned with ensuring the safety of food. Discusses the wealth of recent research in this important area Covers risk assessment, detection of particular mycotoxins and how to control them throughout the supply chain Describes how the risk of contamination can be controlled, including the use of HACCP systems

Various chemical hazards are identified and characterised. Public health risks associated with ingestion of contaminated animal food products are discussed, options for risk mitigation are presented.

Mycotoxins are made by different biosynthetic pathways, and they have an extremely wide range of pharmacological effects. This book will update readers on several cutting-edge aspects of mycotoxin research, including topics such as: new analytical methods for detection; the adoption of an ancient Mexican process for detoxification of aflatoxins; mycotoxin management in Ireland, Lithuania and South America; mycotoxin reduction through plant breeding and integrated management practices; and natural aflatoxin inhibitors from medicinal plants. Further contributions examine ochratoxins, selected trichothecenes, zearalenone, and aflatoxin-like gene clusters, as well as sclerotial development in Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Of particular interest are the chapters on the potential use of mycotoxins as bioweapons. This book will stimulate new thinking on the need to develop therapeutic as well as preventative interventions to reduce the toxicological threat of mycotoxins.

Disturbances in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by internal and external influences can cause large economic losses in both the pig and poultry industries. Traditionally, diseases and conditions of the GI tract that can cause losses have been controlled by antimicrobial compounds administered in the feed and (or) water, such as antibiotics, coccidiostats, zootechnical feed additives and trace elements such as zinc and copper. However, legislation and rulings in various parts of the world coupled with a growing sentiment to reduce the use of these compounds in the intensive livestock industries have caused a reassessment of measures to influence GI tract structure and function ('gut health'), and have caused unparalleled interest in alternative strategies (genetic, dietary, management, environmental) to effectively manage the GI tract under conditions of external and internal challenge. Despite the wide array of products and strategies available to the pig and poultry industries that influence 'gut health', a term in itself that is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, it is important that the industries continue to investigate and understand the underpinning sciences that influence GI tract structure and function, especially at critical life stages. Ultimately, the cost-benefit of adopting such practices to influence 'gut health' requires consideration.

The production of animal feed increasingly relies on the global acquisition of feed material, increasing the risk of chemical and microbiological contaminants being transferred into food-producing animals. Animal feed contamination provides a comprehensive overview of recent research into animal feed contaminants and their negative effects on both animal and human health. Part one focuses on the contamination of feeds and fodder by microorganisms and animal by-products. Analysis of contamination by persistent organic pollutants and toxic metals follows in part two, before the problem of natural toxins is considered in part three. Veterinary medicinal products as contaminants are explored in part four, along with a discussion of the use of antimicrobials in animal feed. Part five goes on to highlight the risk from emerging technologies. Finally, part six explores feed safety and quality management by considering the safe supply and management of animal feed, the process of sampling for contaminant analysis, and the GMP+ feed safety assurance scheme. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Animal feed contamination is an indispensable reference work for all those responsible for food safety control in the food and feed industries, as well as a key source for researchers in this area. Provides a comprehensive review of research into animal feed contaminants and their negative effects on both animal and human health Examines the contamination of feeds and fodder by microorganisms and animal by-products Analyses contamination by persistant organic pollutants, toxic metals and natural toxins

Mycotoxins, from the Greek "mukes" referring to fungi or slime molds and toxin from the Latin "toxicum" referencing a poison for arrows, have earned their reputation for being potentially deleterious to the health and well being of a consuming organism, whether it be animal or human. Unfortunately, mycotoxins are a ubiquitous factor in the natural life cycle of food producing plants. As such, control of the potential impact of mycotoxins on food safety relies heavily upon accurate analysis and surveys followed by commodity segregation and restricted use or decontamination through processing. The purpose of this book is to provide the most comprehensive and current information on the topic of mycotoxins and assuring food safety. Chapters represented in the book reflect such diverse topics ranging from occurrence and impact, analysis, reduction through processing and plant breeding, toxicology and safety assessments to regulatory perspectives. Authors represent a range of international perspectives.

This book is one of three volumes expanding upon content found in Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs, Second Edition, and focuses on milk and milk products, and meat. Foodstuffs of plant origin that play only a minor role in mycotoxin contamination, such as asparagus, are also covered. Mycotoxins in Animal Products - Milk and Milk Products, and Meat comprises: More than 100 new publications and 300 publications in all Single chapter overview with all mycotoxins and each foodstuff that is contaminated Coverage of "co-contamination," showing the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in a foodstuff, where possible Coverage of "further contamination,“ describing further foodstuffs with their mycotoxins documented, where possible List of articles dealing with conventionally and organically produced foodstuffs and their mycotoxin contamination