Distinct effects of equal levels of Fusarium toxins (Deoxynivalenol) in growing pigs. Possible reasons.

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) is well documented to cause reduced feed consumption (FC) and weight gain (WG) rates in sensitive animal species (e.g. swine). In establishing feeding guidelines and diagnoses of mycotoxin related diseases it is important to establish a "dose and response" factor-but a simple relationship is not always present for DON and other Fusarium toxins. Possible reasons for these findings (e.g. experimental design and/or role of toxin source) are discussed with reference to previous research.