ISSUE FOCUS 32 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 “Mycotoxin testing methods can generally fall into two categories, on-site or rapid test systems, and the more sophisticated laboratory-based detection systems. When making a decision about mycotoxin testing programs, it is important to consider what systems allow for the generation of insights with regards to species risk and recommendations on the application of nutritional solutions.” Knowledge is power when it comes to effectively managing the dynamic challenge that mycotoxins pose to the productivity of even the bestrun livestock operations. Being both invisible and odorless, the task of detecting these unwanted toxic compounds relies upon a range of specialist detection methods, each possessing their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to deploying them in a mycotoxin control program. Some areas to consider when selecting a testing method include: • The type of ingredients or feedstuffs that are being analysed • How often you are carrying out analyses • The time required to access the results • The cost of each testing method WHAT TESTING METHODS ARE AVAILABLE? Mycotoxin testing methods can generally fall into two categories, on-site or rapid test systems, and the more sophisticated laboratory-based detection systems. To make a quick distinction between the two, rapid tests are generally used when testing individual raw materials and can typically detect up to six of the key mycotoxins. In comparison, lab-based testing is used for more complex feedstuffs such as finished feeds and TMRs and can simultaneously detect a much higher number of mycotoxins. RAPID TEST METHODS Lateral flow devices (LFDs) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are the two primary rapid test options. Both of these methods provide a quick and relatively inexpensive way to screen individual ingredients, and are typically capable of detecting the levels of the six most well-known mycotoxins (aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin, ochratoxin and T2/HT2). To detect mycotoxins, LFDs use specific antibodies that will recognize and bind to the target mycotoxin that is present in the sample. If the target mycotoxin is present in the sample being analysed, it binds to the antibodies on the test strip, and a coloured line will be visible. The intensity of this line represents the amount of mycotoxin that is present. CHOOSING THE RIGHT MYCOTOXIN TEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS Martin Minchin Global Marketing Manager Alltech Mycotoxin Management
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