Mycotoxin contamination in food and feed is a global problem causing economic damage and health risks to humans and animals. Cargill found in 2021 that at least one mycotoxin was present in 72% of their mycotoxin analyses, with Fumonisin, Zearalenone, Aflatoxin and Vomitoxin being the most common. Fungal growth and mycotoxin production are influenced by factors such as water activity, temperature and humidity. Therefore, a “field to fork” approach is essential for effective mycotoxin control.

What are mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi that are invisible, odorless and tasteless. They affect the health of both humans and animals and can occur in the field, after harvest or during storage.

Molds and mycotoxins

Molds are microscopic, plant-like organisms with thread-like cells known as hyphae. They are ubiquitous and their cell walls consist of glucans, chitin and glycoproteins, crucial for their survival and contact with the environment.

Spread of mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are the most common contaminants in animal feeds and plant foods. They occur mainly in tropical and subtropical regions with high temperatures and humidity. Climate changes increase the risk of mycotoxin contamination in Europe.

Common Mycotoxins

There are 300-400 identified mycotoxins, including Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin A and Fusarium toxins such as Deoxynivalenol (DON). They can be formed before (Fusarium spp.) or after harvest (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp.). Cereals, especially corn, are often contaminated.

Consequences of Mycotoxin Contamination

Mycotoxins cause disease, economic losses and threaten food safety. In the US alone, annual losses due to mycotoxins are estimated at $1 billion. They increase disease susceptibility, reduce production and lower animal performance.

Exposure and Mycotoxicosis

Mycotoxins are found in plant and animal products and are resistant to cooking, baking and fermentation processes. Mycotoxicosis, the disease caused by mycotoxins, varies depending on the animal species, degree of exposure and interactions with other substances.

Mycotoxin regulations

The EU has set maximum levels for mycotoxins in food and feed. For feed, there are limits for Aflatoxin B1 and Ergot alkaloids, and guidelines for other mycotoxins such as Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone.

Research on mycotoxins

Research at Ghent University in corn silage showed that Nivalenol (NIV) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) are the most common mycotoxins in Flanders. Climate change is affecting the distribution of mycotoxins in Europe, with an increase in tropical molds.

Mycotoxins in cattle?

Zearalenone, Ochratoxin, Deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, Ergot alkaloids and Fumonisins cause mycotoxicosis in cattle.

Zearalenone: Corn, barley, oats, wheat, sorghum, high risk.

Aflatoxine B1: Corn, sorghum, wheat, low breakdown in rumen.

T-2 toxine: Corn, barley, wheat, oats, medium risk.

DON: Corn, barley, wheat, oats, medium breakdown in rumen.

Ochratoxines: Grain, low risk in ruminants.

Ergot alkaloïden: Grain, barley, rye, high risk.

Symptoms of Mycotoxicosis in Cattle

Symptoms are often vague and vary by mycotoxin, with increased feed conversion, decreased appetite, poor condition, milk production loss, diarrhea, gastroenteritis and reproductive problems.

Toxic effect on ruminants

Ruminants are often less susceptible to mycotoxins, thanks to their rumen flora. However, some mycotoxins, such as fumonisins, pass through the rumen unchanged. High feed intake and rumen acidification increase vulnerability, especially in calves, transition cows and high-producing animals.

Public health risk

Exposure to mycotoxins through contaminated feed can also contaminate animal feed products such as milk, meat and eggs. Aflatoxins are a major risk in dairy production.

Action Plan Against Mycotoxicosis

A “from field to fork” strategy is crucial. Prevention addresses mold growth in the field and during storage. Mycotoxin binders and detoxifiers in animal feed are essential, with binders neutralizing mycotoxins and detoxifiers breaking them down.

Discover Herbavita’s range of products to prevent rumen acidification in cows. Our experienced advisors will gladly visit you for tailored advice. Click here to request a no-obligation consultation.

Emilie

Regulatory Affairs Officer – Veterinary Surgeon