What are the effects of mycotoxins on performance and immune function?

• A. Mycotoxins can reduce feed intake, growth, and immune competence; effects depend on toxin type and exposure level.
• B. Mycotoxins have no effect on performance.
• C. Mycotoxins improve immune function.
• D. Mycotoxins only affect reproductive performance.

Answer: (A)

Mycotoxins typically reduce feed intake and growth while compromising immune competence in livestock, and how much they affect performance depends on the toxin type and the level of exposure. Different mycotoxins have different targets: some impair gut integrity and feed palatability, lowering nutrient absorption and feed efficiency; others directly suppress immune function by affecting lymphocytes, cytokines, and liver metabolism, raising disease risk. The magnitude of the impact is influenced by dose, duration, species, age, and nutritional status, and exposure to multiple toxins can have additive or synergistic negative effects. Management strategies include preventing feed contamination, using reputable binders or detoxifiers when appropriate, and maintaining good nutrition to support resilience. The statements that suggest no effect, improvement in immune function, or effects limited only to reproduction do not reflect the typical negative impact on performance and immune defense seen with mycotoxin exposure.