Ensuring optimal feeding is essential for the commercial growth of poultry, as it affects the health and welfare of the birds, as well as the profitability and sustainability of poultry production. The aim of optimal feeding strategies is to provide a balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of poultry at various growth stages, while also taking into account factors like feed conversion ratios, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
An important consideration in feeding strategies is the presence of mycotoxins. While some well-known and regulated mycotoxins (such as aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and zearalenone) are routinely analyzed, there are many other mycotoxins that are not. These are known as emerging mycotoxins, and there are no regulations for their maximum contamination levels in animal feed.
An emerging threat
Emerging mycotoxins, such as beauvericin, enniatins, moniliformin, and fusaric acid, have been identified as significant contaminants in animal feed, affecting poultry production. These mycotoxins are predominantly produced by various Fusarium species and can be present in cereals like corn, wheat, and barley, which are common components of poultry diets.
Beauvericin (BEA) is an emerging mycotoxin known for its insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic activities. The presence of BEA in feed has various implications for poultry health and productivity, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its effects. Toxicological studies have shown that BEA possesses cytotoxic properties and can induce oxidative stress leading to cell apoptosis. Chronic exposure to beauvericin can result in reduced growth rates and overall poor health in poultry. While acute exposure might not always show immediate severe effects, the long-term impact on poultry health and productivity can be substantial.
Enniatins (ENNs), a group of mycotoxins structurally and functionally similar to beauvericin, have also been implicated in the disruption of cellular functions. They are known for their cytotoxic and immunosuppressive properties, which can weaken the immune system of poultry, making them more susceptible to infections. Chronic exposure to enniatins can lead to reduced growth rates and overall poor health in poultry.
Fusaric acid (FA), a mycotoxin often found in conjunction with other Fusarium metabolites, can have several detrimental effects on poultry and has been shown to have synergistic toxic effects when combined with deoxynivalenol (DON). It is known to disrupt the electrolyte balance and inhibit certain enzymes, leading to respiratory disorders and cell death. In broiler chicks and turkey poults, fusaric acid has been shown to affect kidney weights and alter brain neurotransmitter levels. Chronic exposure to fusaric acid can weaken the immune system, making poultry more susceptible to infections and reducing overall productivity.
Moniliformin (MON) is another low molecular weight mycotoxin with documented hematotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. While specific data are limited, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has indicated a low risk for animals from exposure to moniliformin in feed under current feeding practices. However, due to the high uncertainty associated with these assessments, further studies are recommended.
The contamination of feed with these emerging mycotoxins also poses a risk to poultry through the potential for immune system suppression, making the animals more susceptible to different infections and diseases. This can lead to increased veterinary costs and economic losses for animal producers.
Screening for emerging mycotoxins and analytical methods
There are several analytical methods to determine mycotoxin concentrations in animal feed. The most advanced method, LC-MS/MS, offers numerous advantages over the rapid ELISA test, including higher sensitivity and reliability for screening multiple mycotoxins. It is versatile, with no molecular mass limitations, and allows for straightforward sample preparation. Additionally, LC-MS/MS provides more accurate results and minimizes issues with false positives and negatives, making it a more robust and precise method for mycotoxin analysis. With the help of LC-MS/MS, an accurate estimation of emerging mycotoxin threats in animal feed can be made. However, once emerging mycotoxins are detected, the only solution to prevent their negative effects on animals is to use advanced mycotoxin deactivating feed additives.
Multicomponent mycotoxin deactivation
MYCORAID is a multilayered mycotoxin control product designed to enhance feed safety by targeting various biotoxins in animal feed. MYCORAID combines specially selected minerals, a unique microbial concoction, herbal extracts, and yeast cell walls to provide effective biotoxin control and support the immune system and liver function. It is characterized by high efficacy and selectivity, fast action, and stability under high temperatures. It shows very high efficacy against regulated mycotoxins such as aflatoxin, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and zearalenone, as well as endotoxins, and emerging mycotoxins.
Efficacy of MYCORAID to adsorb emerging mycotoxins in vitro
Fast and irreversible mycotoxin deactivation and immune system support allow for optimal animal production.
Conclusions
The presence of emerging mycotoxins in poultry feed can significantly harm animal health, particularly affecting growth and reproductive functions. Continuous monitoring and research into the toxicological impacts of these mycotoxins are essential for ensuring the safety and productivity of poultry flocks. Efforts to mitigate their presence in feed through improved agricultural practices and advanced detoxification strategies are crucial for protecting animal welfare and food security. MYCORAID is an advanced product designed to combat mycotoxin risks, including emerging mycotoxins. It helps ensure high performance by deactivating mycotoxins and supporting the immune system and liver, leading to more profitable animal production.