DON: a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis

It has been recently discovered that the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler chickens. This is because this mycotoxin – even at low levels – damages the intestinal wall of the chicken’s gut. By Gunther Antonissen, Ghent University, Belgium Necrotic enteritis leads globally to important production losses, increased feed consumption and mortality rates, and a reduced welfare of broiler chickens. Necro