Co-occurrence of mycotoxins remains a challenge for industry

Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health’s latest research involved more than 400,000 analyses across more than 150 feed plants, farm and storage locations, and found that 78% of samples contained 3 or more mycotoxins, which remains a major challenge for the industry.

According to the research, distinct regional variations were observed. For example, this year’s European research found that in Northern and Eastern Europe, there were milder fluctuations in mycotoxins and significantly lower deoxynivalenol (DON) levels in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, the feed sector in Southern Europe saw a late-year surge in DON, fumonisin (FUM) and zearalenone (ZEN).

The company said that its database was the largest, allowing for more precise regional insights but said mycotoxin levels varied significantly by geography and time, making a broad dataset essential for accurate risk assessment and proactive management.

Clement Soulet, Category lead – Cargill Micronutrition and Health Solutions – said feed safety was a crucial part of optimising livestock productivity, stressing that healthy animals performed better. “This database provides producers with real-time, location-specific risk insights, helping them make proactive decisions to protect their animals and their bottom line.”

The firm has carried out a study on how DON disrupts microbiota maturation, looking at the impact it has on broiler gut microbiota. It found that DON-contaminated feed disrupts the natural development of beneficial bacteria, while promoting the persistence of harmful pathogens such as Campylobacter and Salmonella.