February 14, 2017

Mycotoxin-related threats to livestock production are higher this year than in the past, according to the latest BIOMIN Mycotoxin Survey for 2016.

"The risk levels are certainly elevated in many regions," said Dr. Timothy Jenkins, Mycotoxin Risk Management Product Manager at BIOMIN.

Globally, the average risk level was 62%, meaning that nearly two-thirds of samples had at least one mycotoxin above the threshold levels. On a regional basis, risk levels ranged from a low of 46% in the Middle East to a high of 80% in Asia.

"Risk levels reflect the probability that producers confront mycotoxin contamination in their operations. These results suggest that producers everywhere should be vigilant in monitoring raw commodities and feed for mycotoxin contamination, and consider implementing a robust mycotoxin risk management programme," explained Dr. Jenkins.

Main regional trends include: Fumonisins rose in North American corn; elevated DON levels were found in the European cereal harvest; Asia facing a heightened risk of mycotoxins overall; the risk level in South America rose sharply in the last half of 2016.

Roughly two-thirds of samples contained two or more mycotoxins. Multiple mycotoxin contamination of feed presents additional problems, as certain combinations of mycotoxins are known to have synergistic effects that aggravate the negative consequences for animals.

"More often than not, feed contamination involves several mycotoxins, though the specific type of mycotoxins and concentration levels fluctuate due to climate, seasonal shifts, weather patterns, etc.," observed Dr. Jenkins. "For producers, this highlights the importance of choosing a broad spectrum mycotoxin solution designed to deal with a variety of mycotoxins," he added.

The full survey results are available at http://www.biomin.net/en/press-releases/latest-biomin-mycotoxin-survey-reveals-high-risk-to-livestock-globally/