ARTICLE 60 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2023 1. Outside the animal: Regular endotoxin testing of raw cereal, finished animal feed products, storage facilities, water and water storage/pipes, environment and litter. Various raw ingredients such as maize, barley, wheat, oats, triticale, beans, soya and other cereals have different levels of endotoxin based on the source of where they come from and storage conditions. Therefore, testing the above raw ingredients can guarantee that the animals are not exposed to high endotoxin levels; the same applies to finished products. 2. Inside the animal: Pre- and pro-biotics and feed additives would help reduce and control bacterial and endotoxin levels. Developing binders that specifically bind to endotoxin and including them in animal feed will reduce the availability of endotoxins inside the animal and reduce the detrimental effects of endotoxin on animal health. LEVELS OF ENDOTOXIN ALLOWED IN ANIMAL FEED Endotoxin levels present in animal feed components are typically set by regulatory bodies, standards established by the industry, European Union (EU) and European Feed Additives and Premixtures Association (FEFANA), and recommendations from the scientific community. These guidelines aim to prevent adverse effects associated with high levels of endotoxin, such as inflammation, immune responses, and negative impacts on animal health. The acceptable or permissible levels of endotoxin in animal feed can differ depending on the species of animals being targeted and the particular feed component in question. Table 1 summarises the maximum allowed level of endotoxin: It is important to acknowledge that endotoxin sensitivity varies among different animal species, and certain animals, such as pigs and poultry, are commonly more susceptible and hence more affected by endotoxin. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Endotoxin is a complex molecule on the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that affects susceptible animals, leading to increased illness and death and subsequent economic losses. To improve livestock productivity, reduce the risks associated with endotoxin-related diseases and increase financial benefits to the grower, it is recommended to: A- Regularly monitor endotoxin levels in animal feed B- Develop endotoxin binders and include them in the feed C- Adhere to best practices established by the industry and scientific community D- Seek guidance from experts to provide specific recommendations for minimizing these risks References 1. Huntley, N. F. & Nyachoti, C. & Patience, J. F., (2017) “Immune System Stimulation Increases Nursery Pig Maintenance Energy Requirements”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 14(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-344 2. Dosogne, H., Meyer, E., Sturk, A., Van Loon, J., Massart-Leën, A.M. and Burvenich, C., 2002. Effect of enrofloxacin treatment on plasma endotoxin during bovine Escherichia coli mastitis. Inflammation Research, 51, pp.201-205. 3. Mateus L, Lopes da Costa L, Diniz P, Ziecik AJ. Relationship between endotoxin and prostaglandin (PGE2 and PGFM) concentrations and ovarian function in dairy cows with puerperal endometritis. Anim Reprod Sci. 2003 Apr 15;76(3-4):143-54. doi: 10.1016/ Food item Raw grains and oilseeds Feed additives and premixes Finished feed Maximum allowed level of endotoxin <500 EU/g <20 EU/g < 100 EU/g Table 1. maximum allowed level of endotoxin in various animal feed items
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