Mycotoxins and reproduction in domestic livestock

The effects of mycotoxins on the reproduction of domestic livestock are evaluated. Mold contamination of animal feed is already being studied, but many mycotoxins remain unaffected by mold inhibitors. Aflatoxin, ochratoxin, ergot, doexynivalenol and zearalenone are the five most significant mycotoxins in North America. Of these, zearalenone is the most important, as it possesses estrogenic activity. Although mycotoxins can be detected by laboratory studies, field techniques which will allow detection on farms and grain elevators would allow more effective monitoring.