--- title: "Case Study: The Impact of Mycotoxins in Modern Pig Production – a silent profit killer?" description: This case study aims to assess the importance of subclinical mycotoxicosis in breeding herds. image: https://info.kemin.com/hubfs/piglet.jpg --- [![Logo Kemin](https://info.kemin.com/hubfs/LLP/Logos/Logo-Kemin.svg) ](https://info.kemin.com/veterinary-nutritionals) Menu # Case Study: The Impact of Mycotoxins in Modern Pig Production – a silent profit killer? Published on **11-10-2024** - Written by **Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health** - [Pig](https://info.kemin.com/veterinary-nutritionals/blog/tag/pig) - [Management](https://info.kemin.com/veterinary-nutritionals/blog/tag/management) ## An In-Depth Analysis of Subclinical Mycotoxicosis in Breeding Herds ### Introduction Mycotoxins are toxic chemical compounds produced by molds present on feeds and their raw materials. Pigs are particularly susceptible to a range of mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2, and fumonisins (FUM), although they are less affected by ochratoxin (OTA) or aflatoxin. While clinical mycotoxicosis has become less prevalent due to efficient screening and control measures, the subclinical effects continue to negatively impact pig health and performance. ### Objectives This case study aims to assess the importance of subclinical mycotoxicosis in breeding herds in the Netherlands. A small-scale prevalence study was conducted to gather data and analyze its implications. ### Methods #### Farms The study was carried out on 6 breeding herds located in the Netherlands. - Suspicious Farms - 3 herds - Management issues and/or necrotic tails (indicating T-2 presence) - Control Farms - 3 herds - Proper management and no clinical mycotoxicosis #### Duration The study spanned one year, from September 2022 to September 2023. #### Sampling and Measurements Mycotoxin analysis was conducted on: - Piglet starter feeds - Sow lactation and gestation feed - Suspicious raw materials The mycotoxins analyzed included Ochratoxin A, T-2/HT-2, Fumonisins (FUM), Deoxynivalenol (DON), and Zearalenone (ZEA). These analyses were conducted using LC-MS/MS in Kemin's customer laboratory services (CLS) lab, with reporting through the Mycotoxin Today app, available for Kemin customers. ## Results In total, 98 samples were evaluated, yielding the following results: - 64% were positive for DON - 66% for T-2/HT-2 - 58% for ZEA - 31% for OTA - 30% for FUM Additionally, 52% of the samples were contaminated with two or more mycotoxins. Notably, 11% of the samples exceeded the risk level for DON in pig feeds, and another 11% exceeded the risk level for ZEA. Mycotoxins' prevalence was seasonal—for example, FUM was more prevalent in summer. In two farms, necrotic tails were observed regularly. At these farms, peak contamination levels of up to 47 ppm of T-2 and HT-2 combined were noted at specific time points. The study found no difference in DON and ZEA prevalence between suspicious and control farms, suggesting that subclinical mycotoxicosis is common. T-2 contamination may be a contributing factor in clinical symptoms such as necrotic tails. Figure 1: Average mycotoxin contaminations at different sampling points per farm ![Picture2-4](https://info.kemin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture2-4.png?width=1559&height=1762&name=Picture2-4.png) ## Conclusions and discussion The study concluded that although there are no European Union (EU) guidance levels for T-2 in pig feeds, the presence of T-2/HT-2 should not be ignored. The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to mitigate the impact of mycotoxins on pig health and performance. ## Also interesting [ 12-05-2025 - Written by Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health ##### Kemin, Gold Sponsor of ESPHM 2025 At ESPHM 2025, we highlight innovations to support gut health, boost performance, and reduce antibiotic reliance across all stages of pig production. 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