ISSUE FOCUS 54 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2024 Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain molds (fungi) that can contaminate various agricultural products, including animal feed. The presence of mycotoxins in animal feed can lead to reduced feed efficiency and health issues such as impaired growth, immune system suppression, and reproductive problems. Monitoring and managing mycotoxin contamination in animal feed are critical to ensuring the health and well-being of livestock and preventing the transfer of these toxins to animal-derived food products. In this article, specialists from Agrimprove, Agrifirm’s brand of functional feed ingredients, share their knowledge on how to adequately detect the presence of mycotoxins in raw materials and processed feed. UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGE Identifying mycotoxins in grains and feed poses a challenge due to several factors. Here, we explore the key reasons for this difficulty. 1. Uneven Distribution of Mycotoxins Mycotoxins are not uniformly distributed in grains or feed. Fungi growth occurs selectively, leading to varying toxin levels. This uneven distribution can start in the field and persist during storage in trucks, ships, or compartments. 2. Sampling Errors Accurate analysis requires proper sampling procedures. If sampling does not represent the entire batch, results may underestimate mycotoxin concentrations. Sampling errors can lead to false negatives, so following correct procedures is crucial. “Monitoring and managing mycotoxin contamination in animal feed are critical to ensuring the health and well-being of livestock and preventing the transfer of these toxins to animal-derived food products.” HOW TO SAMPLE FOR MYCOTOXIN DETECTION IN GRAIN AND FEED Manuel Contreras Technical Support Manager Agrifirm Juan Fernando Martinez Account Manager Agrifirm LATAM
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