Optimal feeding is a critical component in the commercial growth of swine, impacting not only the health and welfare of the animals but also the profitability and sustainability of swine production operations. The goal of optimal feeding strategies is to provide a balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of pigs at different stages of growth, while also considering factors such as feed conversion ratios, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
However, one important factor to consider in the feeding strategy is presence of mycotoxins. While some well-known and regulated mycotoxins are being routinely analyzed (aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and zearalenone), there are also hundreds of other mycotoxins which are not. These mycotoxins are called emerging mycotoxins, and no regulation for their maximal contamination levels in animal feed exist.
An emerging threat
Emerging mycotoxins, such as beauvericin, enniatins, moniliformin, and fusaric acid, have been identified as significant contaminants in animal feed, affecting swine 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 swine 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 swine 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. In swine, beauvericin has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and the production of essential hormones like estradiol and progesterone, which may lead to reproductive issues in swine such as reduced fertility and developmental problems in offspring.
Further, BEA’s ability to increase intracellular calcium levels together with inducing oxidative stress can lead to muscle contracture and impaired neuromuscular transmission, which could potentially affect the physical development and growth. The impact on muscle function is especially critical for growing animals, as it can influence meat quality and the overall health.
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 to inhibit hormone-induced steroidogenesis in bovine granulosa cells, which suggests potential negative effects on reproductive health in swine as well. Additionally, enniatins have been associated with cytotoxicity to embryos, indicating a risk to animal development.
Fusaric acid (FA), a mycotoxin often found in conjunction with other Fusarium metabolites, has been shown to have synergistic toxic effects when combined with deoxynivalenol (DON) in swine. Studies have demonstrated that fusaric acid can significantly depress growth and feed intake in pigs, highlighting the importance of monitoring its levels in animal feed.
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 swine 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 swine producers.
Screening for emerging mycotoxins and analytical methods
There are a couple of analytical methods to determine mycotoxin concentrations in animal feed. The most advanced method, LC-MS/MS, offers several advantages over ELISA, a rapid 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/negatives, making it a more robust and precise method for mycotoxin analysis. With help from LC-MS/MS, an accurate estimation of emerging mycotoxin threat in animal feed can be made. However, once emerging mycotoxins are detected, the only solution to prevent their negative effects on animals is using 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 swine feed can have detrimental effects on animal health, particularly concerning growth and reproductive functions. Continuous monitoring and research into the toxicological impacts of these mycotoxins are crucial for ensuring the safety and productivity of swine herds. Efforts to mitigate their presence in feed through improved agricultural practices advanced detoxification strategies are essential for protecting animal welfare and food security. MYCORAID is an advanced product to combat mycotoxin risk, including emerging mycotoxins. It helps ensure the high performance by deactivating mycotoxins and supporting the immune system and liver, resulting in more profitable animal production.