Trouw Nutrition announces results of “Global Mycotoxin Review”

Trouw Nutrition shared findings from its 2021 Global Risk Analysis during a webinar. In the webinar, Dr. Swamy Haladi, Global Programme Manager for the Mycotoxin Risk Management programme shared his findings from an analysis of more than 31,000 samples of raw materials and complete feeds collected in 2021.

Trouw Nutrition announces results of “Global Mycotoxin Review”As mycotoxins threaten feed ingredients, complete feed, and ultimately producers’ and feed mills’ economics, Trouw Nutrition shared findings from its 2021 Global Risk Analysis during a webinar. Dr. Swamy Haladi, Global Programme Manager for the Mycotoxin Risk Management programme told his findings from an analysis of more than 31,000 samples of raw materials and complete feeds collected in 2021. Beyond addressing concerns associated with Big “6” mycotoxins, Dr. Swamy shared what the analysis findings may portend for mycotoxin risks in 2022, as well as innovative mitigation strategies for tackling so called “emerging mycotoxins”.

Also, and from a proactive perspective, the webinar offered thoughts on how to prevent mycotoxins from adversely affecting feed quality and animal performance.

“During a time of climate change, volatile commodity prices, tight margins and ongoing supply disruptions, mycotoxins can pose an even higher threat to livestock producers and feed manufacturers,” said Dr. Haladi.

IDENTIFYING THE RISKS
“Constant exposure to mycotoxins may lead to chronic toxicity and economic losses. A comprehensive mycotoxin risk management programme should be in place to prevent and reduce such economic losses,” said Dr. Haladi.

To help identify the risk of mycotoxins in feed on the farm, Trouw Nutrition offers Mycomaster, a lateral-flow smart device that provides a reliable quantitative reading of the contamination levels in feed materials and compound feed. It enables rapid on-site, cost-effective and user-friendly analysis of six different mycotoxins: Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Ochratoxin and T2-HT2.

This easy-to-use tool gives results within 15-30 minutes, which means that feed producers can analyse mycotoxins themselves. It can also be connected to Trouw Nutrition’s global data exchange system, allowing the review of data collected from all over the globe.

ENSURING PROPER QUALITY CONTROL
Since mycotoxins are produced by moulds, it is important that raw materials and feed are stored properly at feed mill or farm level. Quality control is key: new materials should be tested upon arrival to detect contamination levels and even reject raw materials if mycotoxin levels are exceeding guidance values.

Proper hygiene measures are also crucial on the farm to prevent mould and mycotoxin development at a later stage. For example, regular cleaning of feed troughs will prevent residue feed from getting mouldy. Pay special attention to silage, which can be prone to mould growth due to the favourable conditions during storage.

Finally, animal performance should be monitored closely, to detect any symptoms of increased mycotoxin levels.