Feed & Additive Magazine Issue 4 May 2021

ARTICLE 60 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2021 Global Mycotoxin Review: 2020 ANALYSIS AND OUTLOOK FOR 2021 Trouw Nutrition, Nutreco’s animal nutrition division, shared details of global mycotoxin analyses on feed ingredients and complete feeds in 2020 along with details of how Q4 2020 results might impact animal health and performance in 2021 and the company’s feed safety programme. Trouw Nutrition - The article is inspired by a webinar led by Dr. Swamy Haladi, Global Programme Ma- nager Mycotoxin Risk Management, Trouw Nutrition. O verall, the comparison of global results from 2020 with 2019 indicated a drop in the extent of contamination and concentrations of four of the main six mycotoxins examined – aflatoxins (AF), fu- monisins (FUM), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearale- none (ZEA). However, the average concentrations for T2/HT2 and ochratoxin A (OTA) increased in 2020, which could bring additional risk for some producers. The exclusive analysis on Q4 2020 maize data has al- ready highlighted high risks for poultry producers, es- pecially in India, Mexico, and South Africa. Data and analysis from the mycotoxin testing reports was pre- sented during a webinar – Global Mycotoxin Review: 2020 analysis and outlook for 2021. MYCOTOXINS: AN OVERVIEW Mycotoxins are a secondary metabolite generated by some types of mould; some are produced in the field and others occur during storage. Mycotoxins can be found in grains, grain by-products, and pro- tein sources like oilseeds (Figure 1). It is estimated that about 80% of agricultural commodities are con- taminated. 1 The type and number of mycotoxins found in feeds and feed ingredients vary regionally and annually, as multiple factors influence mould growth and myco- toxin occurrence. 2 Elements that can alter mycotoxin levels include: * Biological factors like crop susceptibility * Environmental factors such as temperatures, hu- midity, and fungal load* Harvest practices * Storage conditions including temperature, hu- midity, and aeration