Effect of scabby wheat in starter pig diets

Abstract

Two studies using a total of 64 starter pigs (averaging 16-18 lbs initial weight) to evaluate the influence of varying levels of vornitoxin-contaminated wheat on performance was conducted. In both trials it appears that when vomitoxin levels exceed 1 ppm, a reduction in performance was evident. Feed refusal was evident particularly the first week on the vomitoxin-contaminated wheat. No symptoms of sickness, nor an influence on tissue size and function, were observed. The pigs were unable to compensate for depression in gains after withdrawal of vomitoxin-contaminated wheat.