Mycotoxicoses of ruminants and horses.

The research article reviews the different types of mycotoxicoses or poisonings caused by toxigenic fungi in grazing ruminants and horses, particularly in South America. It investigates the effects of different fungi-contaminated plants on the health of these animals and the types of diseases they can cause.

Overview of the Study

• The research work is an exhaustive review of various mycotoxicoses in ruminants and horses, predominantly in the South American region. The study of mycotoxicoses is crucial because the consumption of infected plants can lead to severe health disorders in grazing animals.
• These mycotoxicoses result from grazing animals consuming plants infected by toxigenic fungi, producing detrimental effects on the animals’ health.

Findings of the Research

• The primary mycotoxicoses observed in the cattle grazing include those resulting from grazing on a variety of plants infected by different toxic fungi such as Claviceps paspali, Neotyphodium lolii, Claviceps cynodontis, and more.
• Other significant health disorders observed due to the ingestion of contaminated plants include gangrenous ergotism, dysthermic syndrome, and photosensitization.
• The research also observed the occurrence of slaframine toxicity in cattle grazing on clover pastures infected by Rhizoctonia leguminicola, and diplodiosis in cattle grazing on corn stubbles.
• The researchers observed contamination from concentrated food or byproducts like barley or sugar beetroot by fungi such as Aspergillus clavatus which results in poisoning. Similarly, health issues can arise from eating wheat bran contaminated with Claviceps purpurea.

Mycotoxicoses in Horses

• The critical mycotoxicosis in horses identified is leukoencephalomalacia, which is caused by fumonisins B1 and B2 produced by Fusarium spp.
• Other health issues in horses, such as agalactia and neonatal mortality, can arise from poisoning by Claviceps purpurea, feed infected with Neotyphodium coenophialum, and the ingestion of alfalfa hay infected by Rhizoctonia leguminicola.

Concluding Remarks

• This research has shed light on the impact that different fungi-contaminated plants can have on the health of grazing animals, especially in the South American region. It stresses the importance of understanding and addressing mycotoxicoses for animal health and productivity.