Effective mycotoxin control is a growing priority for feed and livestock producers as crop quality challenges continue to intensify. Shifting global weather patterns, the rise of emerging mycotoxins and changes to agricultural practices, mean producers need advanced intelligence solutions and proactive strategies to anticipate mycotoxin threats and maintain feed safety.
Alltech’s Harvest Analysis programme sheds light on this mounting challenge, revealing the diverse and extensive nature of mycotoxin contamination across Europe and North America. Through the analysis of up to 54 individual mycotoxins in key feed ingredients, this initiative provides the sector with a comprehensive risk assessment, enabling them to make informed decisions about raw materials and mycotoxin mitigation strategies.
Feedinfo spoke to Dr. Radka Borutova and Dr. Vivi Koletsi, from the Global Technical Support Technology Group at Alltech, to learn more about the annual Harvest Analysis programmes, using climate data to predict hotspots, and concerns due to the increased prevalence of certain mycotoxins. They also highlight actionable strategies for navigating mycotoxin challenges in our changing world.
[Feedinfo] Can you tell us about your annual Harvest Analysis programmes and how feed and livestock producers can effectively use the results from these?
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[Radka Borutova] The Harvest Analysis activities have become a permanent fixture in our team’s calendars. Designed to uncover the threat that mycotoxins pose in new crop grains and forages, insights from these analyses are eagerly awaited each year by those who are purchasing ingredients or farmers who are feeding grains and forages daily. To accurately represent mycotoxin risk across Europe and North America, more than 3,000 new crop samples are randomly collected and tested. Our independently accredited Alltech 37+ labs play a key role in the testing of these ingredients, while in Europe, the collaboration with SGS, a global leader in mycotoxin testing and certification is central to understanding risk patterns in corn in Southern Europe and the Black Sea region, a key grain growing and exporting hub. |
Dr. Radka Borutova, European Technical Support Manager, Alltech |
The detection of mycotoxin levels is only one part of the puzzle that we are trying to solve with programmes like this. Over the past few years, our research and technical teams have been firmly focused on understanding what these mycotoxin levels translate to in terms of diminished health and productivity in animals. Unique tools like Risk Equivalent Quantity (REQ) and Alltech PROTECT are central to enabling us to better quantify mycotoxin risk in key production species and animal groups, and ultimately equip feed and livestock producers with the right insights to make the most informed decisions when it comes to mycotoxin control.
[Feedinfo] Have you noticed the impact of extreme weather on mycotoxin contamination patterns in your global testing programmes? How can the industry better use climate data to identify potential mycotoxin hotspots?
[Radka Borutova] As we capture more data year on year, the correlation of mycotoxin contamination patterns with increased climate variability is becoming more evident and is moving away from a topic that was once seen as somewhat anecdotal. Key to this has been the greater access that we now have to climate data through collaboration with companies who are specialising in this area. Being able to combine our mycotoxin datasets with their climate insights is affording us a much greater opportunity to track these changes in weather and contamination patterns alike.
Although still in its infancy, as was noted in Alltech’s recent Harvest Analysis Broadcast the prediction of mycotoxins is one of the dominant topics in the industry right now. Advances are being made in developing predictive models that utilise climate data to forecast potential mycotoxin contamination, with collaboration between industry and academic groups being key to driving much of this progress. At Alltech, we are excited to recently join a multi-partner consortium that is spearheaded by Wageningen University and will be working together over the next four years to develop predictive models for key grains in Europe.
With this information, it is hoped that the industry can more accurately move toward the adoption of more proactive mycotoxin control measures, such as adjusting agronomic practices, planting dates, variety selection and employing more targeted crop protection techniques to minimise contamination risks.
[Feedinfo] Is there evidence in your data of an increase in emerging mycotoxins?
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[Vivi Koletsi] We have observed a significant increase in the occurrence of emerging mycotoxins in our data over recent years. For instance, in 2023, emerging mycotoxins were detected in 90% of the 6,550 samples analysed globally by our Alltech 37+ lab, compared to just 35% in a similar number of samples analysed in 2018. This is likely attributed to several factors such as changes in weather patterns, shifts in raw material sourcing, and advancements in analytical methods that now enable the detection of a broader spectrum of mycotoxins. |
Dr. Vivi Koletsi, Global Technical Support, Technology Group, Alltech |
Of note, Alltech 37+ can detect emerging mycotoxins like Enniatin A/A1, Enniatin B/B1, Beauvericin, Moniliformin, Alternariol, and Phomopsin A. While the impacts of these mycotoxins on farmed animals are not yet well understood compared to the more traditional mycotoxin groups due to limited in vivo studies, preliminary in vitro research indicates that the toxicity of certain emerging mycotoxins, such as Enniatin A1, may exceed that of deoxynivalenol (DON).
In parallel to understanding the negative impacts of these emerging mycotoxin groups on different animal groups, Alltech’s research division is also focused on assessing the effectiveness of mitigation solutions against these emerging threats. In vitro models are indication that Alltech's solutions demonstrate effective adsorption capabilities, particularly for mycotoxins such as Enniatins and Beauvericin.
[Feedinfo] Despite some progress in reducing mycotoxin risks, deoxynivalenol (DON) remains a challenge. How important is it to continue seeking solutions in this area?
[Vivi Koletsi] Although the more heavily regulated mycotoxins such as aflatoxin may be most well-known in the industry, DON is typically regarded as the mycotoxin that is of most concern when it comes to the potential negative impacts on animal health and productivity. While great progress has been made in understanding and mitigating mycotoxin risks in general, DON is a mycotoxin that remains particularly challenging to manage, and one that is going to demand further research and investment across the feed and livestock industry.
DON was a big topic of conversation at last year’s World Mycotoxin Forum in Antwerp. Researchers presented a range of DON research efforts a range of diverse subjects. These included advancements in analytical methods for detecting the toxin in agricultural products, studies on its individual and combined effects on animal health through in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo (organoids) assessments, exposure-based biomarkers for diagnosing DON-related challenges, data-driven approaches to DON management involving predictive models, and evaluations of the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies using feed additives.
In the meantime, the European Commission is discussing lowering the current DON recommendation limit in compound feed in the future. Despite these efforts, DON remains a notorious mycotoxin in the animal feed industry known for its significant effects on animal health, including reduced feed intake, immune suppression and reduced productivity, directly impacting animal welfare and producer profitability.
Given the prevalence of DON on raw materials and feed that often co-occur along with other Fusarium-produced mycotoxins (e.g., fusaric acid) and emerging mycotoxins with potential combined or even synergistic impact on animal health and productivity, it is crucial to continue developing effective solutions.
[Feedinfo] Penicillium mycotoxins have been a growing concern for ruminant producers, especially in Northwestern Europe. What do you see as the main drivers of this trend and what steps are you advising to reduce their prevalence?
[Radka Borutova] Yes, our data is consistently demonstrating greater challenges in grass silages in countries like Denmark, the UK and Ireland over the past 3-4 years. Although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly the reasons behind this, it is most likely down to several different factors. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity can significantly promote the growth of Penicillium moulds in grass silages. Equally, as herd sizes have increased, farm infrastructure has not always kept pace. This may be leading to issues with how forages are managed post-harvest, including inadequate compaction, insufficient sealing, and challenges at feed out. The addition of temperature fluctuations can exacerbate these crop related challenges and create an even more favourable environment for mould growth and subsequent mycotoxin development.
To reduce Penicillium mycotoxins in forages, producers can take several practical steps. Starting at planting, implement good agronomic practices, including crop rotation to reduce the fungal load in soil and crop residue. Harvest crops at the correct maturity stage to maximise sugar content and minimise moisture levels, as high moisture content encourages mould growth. Properly compact silage to minimise air pockets, which can lead to anaerobic fermentation and mould growth. Use effective sealing techniques to prevent air infiltration and maintain anaerobic conditions, discouraging mould development. Regularly monitor the temperature and moisture levels of the silage during fermentation and conduct periodic testing of forages for Penicillium mycotoxin presence. By taking these steps livestock and feed producers can significantly reduce the risk of Penicillium mycotoxins in feed.
