Veterinary Services expressed concern on effect of molds

Accra, Aug. 11, GNA- The Ghana Veterinary Services had expressed concern of the damaging effects of moulds and their mycotoxins to livestock and losses to livestock producers. Dr George Opoku-Parry, Greater Accra Regional Director of Veterinary Services in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said feed contaminated with molds was harmful to livestock and poultry because of the toxic effects of the mycotoxins produced by the moulds. "Moulds decrease the nutritive value of feed by consuming protein and fat for growth and producing mycotoxins, which adversely affect performance".

He explained that moulds produced a large number of toxins, which resulted in heavy economic losses through reduced animal performance, reduced feed intake, causes death, poor feed conversion and instances of poisoning.

It also caused depressed growth, abortion storms and reproductive problems, increased susceptibility of secondary infection and contamination of milk and other animal products, making them unfit to for human consumption. Dr Opoku-Parry explained that there were types of mycotoxins that affect livestock, which he listed as Aflatoxin, which affect all domestic animals and poultry, Zearalenone affect mainly pigs and diary, Vomitoxin, which is citrinin affect mainly pigs whilst Fuminisins affect mainly pigs and horses. He noted that the two most common types of moulds that contaminated cereals were Aspergillus. sp. and Fusarium. sp. and whilst Aspergillus moulds preferred hot climates, Fusarium molds were found in temperature climates.

He noted that Aflatoxin was most commonly found in Ghana because of the poor temperature under which cereals were dried and stored adding that, it affected cereals such as maize and groundnuts. Dr Opoku-Parry called for awareness creation at all levels of production, advocated for the use of dryers and silos to ensure quick reduction of moisture content of cereals after harvesting and ensure mandatory testing of all batches of commercial poultry and livestock feeds be it imported and produced locally. He also called for use of chemical mold inhibitors to protect grain and feed against mold growth and the use of toxin binders, clays and diatomaceous earth products.