Common mycotoxins such as Deoxynivalenol (DON), Fumonisin B1, Patulin, and Ochratoxin cause damage to the intestinal mucosa and result in harmful effects such as:

1. Mycotoxins affect Nutrient absorption: They damage intestinal cells, reduce the absorption function of these cells, and decrease the absorption area. Consequently, nutrients are not fully absorbed, leading to waste and failure to meet the full nutrient requirements for cattle and calves. This results in poor resistance, poor growth, and other issues.

2. Mycotoxins affect Intestinal cell proliferation: The intestines need continuous cell regeneration, but the toxins inhibit cell division. The amount of new cells regenerated is insufficient, leading to a thinner intestinal lining and reduced protective and absorption functions.

3. Mycotoxins affect Intestinal barrier function: The toxins loosen the tight junctions between intestinal cells, making it easier for bacteria and toxins to penetrate the intestinal mucosa and enter the bloodstream, causing disease.

4. Mycotoxins affect the Cytokine system: Mycotoxins cause abnormal stimulation or inhibition of the cytokine system, leading to a disorder in the inflammatory response and reduced immunity.

5. Mycotoxins affect Immunoglobulin: Mycotoxins reduce antibody production, resulting in poor vaccine response and increased susceptibility to disease in the animals.

Overall consequences: Damage to the intestinal mucosa and impaired intestinal functions like absorption and protection mean that nutrient absorption fails to meet the animal’s needs. This leads to poor growth, poor reproduction, and weakened immunity, making the animals prone to illness. This, in turn, increases the costs of rearing and treatment.

(Mr. Vương Ngọc Long – Innochems)