Mycotoxins in Animal Feed & Pet Food

Waters | VICAM

Understanding Mycotoxins in Animal Feed and Pet Food?

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by molds (fungi) which naturally inhabit many of the raw materials used during feed and pet food production.?While aflatoxins are the best known and most regulated, there are several toxins which pose significant health risks to livestock animals, pets and wildlife whose diets become contaminated when one or more infected ingredients is added during feed processing. Let’s have a closer look at what mycotoxins are, their impact on animal health, and best practices for managing some of the most common risks.?

What Are Mycotoxins??

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites (which means they are not essential for survival) produced by filamentous fungi.? Small, heat-stable molecules capable of contaminating crops and feedstuffs, mycotoxins can occur in cereal grains, peanuts/groundnuts, tree nuts, dried fruits, spices and virtually any orchard, field or vine grown crop.??

While hundreds of mycotoxins have been identified, the toxins responsible for the highest risks to human and animal health include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, vomitoxin (DON), T-2, HT-2 and ochratoxin,? each with its own set of toxic effects and economic impacts.?

Impacts on Animal Health?

Exposure to mycotoxins can lead to mycotoxicosis, a condition that can be acute or chronic depending on the level and duration of exposure. In livestock, mycotoxins can cause a range of health issues, including:?

• Feed Refusal and Reduced Weight Gain?

• Organ Targeting – the most common impacts are observed as liver or kidney diseases (including cancer), immune suppression, neurotoxicity and skin.?

• Hormones and Reproduction – may result in hormone disruption, reduced fertility and the inability to sustain pregnancy.?

Risks in Pet Food?

Pets are not immune to the dangers of mycotoxins. In fact, there have been instances where contaminated pet food has led to severe health issues and even fatalities. For example, a recent outbreak of aflatoxin poisoning in the U.S. resulted in severe illness and the loss of more than 70 companion animals. This tragic outcome highlights the importance of stringent quality control and ingredient source management for pet food producers.?

Managing Mycotoxin Risks?

To mitigate the risks associated with mycotoxins, several strategies can be employed:?

1. Regular Testing: Implementing routine testing of feed and raw materials for mycotoxin contamination can help identify and address issues early.? Monitoring tools range from quick, on-site tests to full laboratory LC testing – there are solutions for most operations, needs and budgets.? VICAM’s newest rapid, on-site tools enable on-site mycotoxin testing for BOTH raw materials and complete feed formulations.? With just one click, you can start your mycotoxin monitoring journey.?
2. Proper Storage: Ensuring that feed is stored in dry, cool conditions can prevent mold growth and mycotoxin production.???
3. Use of Binders: Adding mycotoxin binders to feed can help reduce the bioavailability of mycotoxins, minimizing their impact on animal health.?
4. Good Agricultural Practices: Implementing good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and proper drying techniques, can reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination at the source.?

Conclusion?

Mycotoxins in animal feed and pet food are a serious concern that requires ongoing vigilance and proactive management. By understanding the risks and implementing effective control measures, we can protect the health and well-being of our animals and ensure the safety of the food supply chain.?

To learn more about mycotoxin monitoring and management, download this excellent resource: [Whitepaper] Mycotoxin Testing in the Feed Chain.

Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions or need further information on this topic!? Contact us at [email protected]?

#Mycotoxins #FoodSafety #FoodManufacturing #NaturalToxins #ManagingMycotoxins #Feedstuffs #AnimalFeed #PetFood