Einfluss von mykotoxinbelastetem Streustroh auf die Fruchtbarkeit von Zuchtsauen

Summary

The effect of bedding straw contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins (1.4 mg/kg deoxynivalenol
(DON) and 0.9 mg/kg ZON; median values) on the fertility of group housed
sows with daily access to pasture was tested using 48 sows kept on contaminated and
48 control sows kept on uncontaminated straw from mating until farrowing. No abortions
were observed. The contaminated straw neither influenced the pregnancy rate nor
the number and weight of the newborn piglets. DON up to 1.4 mg/kg and ZON up to
0.9 mg/kg in bedding straw seem to have no negative effects in sows having access to
roughage such as pasture grass. Straw without signs of deterioration, even if it may be
contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins, is a suitable bedding material for pregnant
sows, and its use is to be encouraged to improve animal welfare.