The effects of mycotoxin risk on poultry management
Effects of mycotoxins on poultry gut health
Aflatoxins
- The disruption of intestinal barrier function
- Poor intestinal cell proliferation and cell death
- Compromised intestinal immunity.
Ochratoxins
- Altered intestinal nutrient absorption.
- Increased intestinal permeability.
- Intestinal cell death
- Decreased villi height.
T-2 toxin / DON
- Poor intestinal water and glucose absorption (diarrhea)
- Necrotic lesions in GIT
- Shortening of intestinal villi (poor nutrient absorption)
- Increased intestinal permeability (lowered tight junction proteins)
- Decreased IL-8* cytokine (responsible for pathogen removal)
- Decreased mucin production.
Fumonisins
- Decreased cell viability and proliferation.
- Altered intestinal barrier integrity by suppressing tight junction protein.
- Increased intestinal permeability.
- Increased mucin secretion/depletion of goblet cells
- Altered gut immunity.
Effects of mycotoxins on poultry immune system
Aflatoxins
Increased gene expression of IL-6*, reduced complement and interferon, suppressed macrophagic phagocytosis, suppressed DTH, reduced weight of thymus and bursa, poor antibody titers, vaccination failures.
Ochratoxins
Regression of lymphoid organs, lymphocyte depletion, poor DTH*, and antibody response is affected to a lesser extent.
T-2 toxin
Regression of bursa of Farbricius, leucopenia, proteinemia, immunosuppression, increased disease incidences
DON
Interferes with DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, immunosuppression, poor antibody titers, increased disease incidences.
Fumonisins
- Thymus atrophy, decreased spleen weight, increased susceptibility to E. coli and other bacteria.
-  Interleukin-6, DHT - Delayed-type hypersensitivity
