Zearalenone

Zearalenone is primarily produced by the mold Fusarium graminearum, which also commonly produces deoxynivalenol. Hence, there is evidence that if zearalenone is detected, there is a high probability that other fusarial mycotoxins may be present. Zearalenone is classified as an estrogenic mycotoxin because it frequently causes estrogenic responses in animals. When zearalenone-contaminated feed or grain is eaten by livestock, it can cause a wide variety of reproductive problems. In swine, it causes vulvovaginitis, low birth weights, fetal reabsorption, aborted pregnancies, reduced litter sizes, abnormal estrus and feminization of immature males. Zearalenone can delay the breeding process and cost the producer significant economic and physical losses. Livestock producers are becoming increasingly aware of zearalenone problems, and have looked for ways to reduce risks related to contaminated feed.