The demand for livestock products is the main factor affecting the demand for livestock feeds worldwide. However, animal feed safety has gradually become more important, with mycotoxins representing one of the most significant hazards. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced naturally by fungi that grow on various agriculture commodities. Aflatoxin, fumonisin, ochratoxin, trichothecene, and zearalenone are the more prevalent mycotoxins in animal feeds. Some of mycotoxins impacts include; loss of animal and human health, reduced animal productivity, increased veterinary service costs, feed disposal and increased research costs which enhance the importance of mycotoxins detoxification. Contamination of feeds may occur both during pre-harvest and post-harvest. The purpose of this chapter is to review the most prevalent mycotoxins in animal feeds, reveal the origin of mycotoxins contamination and the possible risks they pose to feeds and livestock. This chapter also gives an overview of the most important factors that influence mold growth and mycotoxin production as well as the economic impacts of mycotoxins. To the end of this chapter, mycotoxins preventive methods, both preharvest and postharvest, are well discussed.
Antibiotics play a huge role in poultry production as they are used to treat clinical diseases, to prevent and control common diseases and to enhance animal growth. However, misuse of antibiotics over time has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans. Therefore, antibiotic free production of poultry has been on an increase in line with consumers’ preference for the same. However, a ban on antibiotics places a heavy burden on disease control and production costs of poultry. It also creates a need for alternatives whereby major companies have developed products like probiotics and essential oils in order to reduce the need for antibiotics in poultry production. The aim of this review is to highlight the journey towards antibiotic-free poultry production, role of antibiotics in the development of resistance, challenges encountered and alternatives used in antibiotic free production. In conclusion, this article recommends that antibiotics should not be completely banned due to poultry welfare issues. However, antibiotics should be used by trained personnel to only treat and control diseases.
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