In addItion to the adverse effects that moulds can have on
the nutrIent content of grams and feeds, moulds produce
secondary metabolItes (mycotoxins) whIch can alter nutnent
metabohsm Aflatoxms are a closely related group of fungal
metabolItes produced by Asperg~llus fiavus and Aspergdlus parasttwus Aflatoxin IS considered the most
widespread and dangerous of the mycotoxin problems m
humans and agnculture. Aflatoxin causes hver damage and
Immune dysfunction in humans and results in numerous
productivity problems mammals. In addition, aflatoxm has
been shown to affect nutrient availability by decreasmg
pancreatic and hepatic enzyme activity, decreasing nutnent
absorption, and mcreasmg nutrient excretion