ISSUE FOCUS 52 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2025 technologies also support feed mills in determining whether to accept or reject ingredients used in feed. On-site, rapid assessment tools can be complemented by confirmatory analytical tools at laboratories. Takeaway 2: Technology can support animals’ resilience to mycotoxins Resilience was a big theme at WMF, and technology can play an important role in helping animals be more resilient. For example, Trouw Nutrition is conducting research on enzyme, gut health and immune booster technologies that may help animals be less susceptible to the harmful effects of mycotoxins. Takeaway 3: Human exposure to mycotoxins suggests neurodegenerative concerns Beyond harming animals, mycotoxins also pose a threat to humans. Historically, much of the concern about mycotoxins and human health risk has focused on liver and esophageal cancers. However, science is starting to link neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s to mycotoxins. Further investigation is needed to understand how long-term mycotoxin exposure may affect human health. Takeaway 4: Differential diagnosis can prevent wrong conclusions The mycotoxin landscape is dynamic and constantly evolves at farms and feed mills. Amid this toxicological chaos, relying on a single strategy for managing mycotoxin risk is impractical and likely to be ineffective. During WMF, Trouw Nutrition presented the concept of differential diagnosis as a strategy for effective mycotoxin risk management. Differential diagnosis aims to identify the causative factors behind performance issues on the farm. When an animal starts presenting a problem – such as gizzard erosions in chickens, reproductive problems in pigs, or lameness in dairy cows – it is important not to jump to conclusions and blame the issue on mycotoxins. Instead, employing a multi-discipline approach that considers the interrelationship between the animal’s health status, farm management, and feed mill processes can get to the root of a problem. As differential diagnosis brings a more holistic approach to exploring a problem, it helps prevent overlooking interventions that may best address an issue. For example, a farm might need to update its vaccination programmes, or a feed mill might implement additional biosecurity measures. Takeaway 5: Predictive capabilities should be considered in context with practical limitations The predictive capabilities of AI are quite promising for mycotoxin research and may make it easier to introduce pre-emptory mitigation strategies in the future. However, predictive insights are only as Dr. Swamy Haladi at the 15th World Mycotoxin Forum
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