Effects of Aflatoxin on Reproduction in Swine

Abstract

Summary

Five male and 5 female Duroc pigs 12-14 weeks of age were fed a practical type of ration containing 450 parts per billion aflatoxin B₁. At 8 months of age a reproduction experiment was conducted while the animals were continued on the same aflatoxin ration. Weight gains and spermatogenesis were normal in the 5 young males which were autopsied after 248 days on test. A questionable microscopic lesion of the hepatocytes in 3 of 5 boars was the only microscopic abnormality detected. The 5 females were autopsied after 325 days on test which included the periods of growth, pregnancy, and lactation, all of which were normal. Microscopic lesions were present in the livers of each sow, but were minimal in severity. Pigs weaned at 6 weeks of age from the females fed the aflatoxin ration were normal in size and number per litter and no microscopic lesions were detected.