The presence of mycotoxins in animal feed and raw materials remains a persistent and often overlooked problem in the livestock industry. These harmful compounds commonly contaminate feed ingredients such as corn, barley, and oilseeds, posing significant health risks to livestock and, if not properly managed, threatening the livelihood of animal producers.

 

According to studies, mycotoxins in livestock feed are primarily composed of these harmful compounds:

 

a. Aflatoxins – produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, and are most commonly found in corn and cottonseed meal.

 

b. Deoxynivalenol (DON): Also known as vomitoxin, DON is produced by Fusarium graminearum and affects cereals like wheat and corn. It reduces feed intake and causes gastrointestinal distress.

 

c. Fumonisins: Produced by Fusarium verticillioides, fumonisins are prevalent in corn and linked to pulmonary edema in pigs and reduced growth in poultry.

 

d. Zearalenone (ZEA): An estrogenic mycotoxin from Fusarium species, ZEA disrupts reproductive function, especially in swine.

 

e. Ochratoxin A (OTA): Produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium, OTA is nephrotoxic and immunosuppressive, affecting pigs and poultry.

 

A joint study by the Universities of Johannesburg and Zululand in South Africa found that mycotoxin contamination in livestock feed stems from factors such as climate change, farming practices, storage, and raw material composition. Climate change, in particular, weakens plant defences through rising temperatures and droughts, increasing vulnerability to fungal infection and mycotoxin buildup.

 

Poor agricultural practices-such as inadequate crop rotation, delayed harvesting, and excessive irrigation-promote fungal growth. Improper storage, including high moisture, warm temperatures, and poor aeration, further accelerates fungal colonisation and mycotoxin formation, especially in damaged or poorly dried grains.

 

Another key factor is the composition of raw feed materials. Cereal grains and their byproducts form the basis of both finished (TMR) and complementary feeds. Since finished feeds combine multiple ingredients with varied production and storage conditions, they face a higher risk of fungal and mycotoxin contamination-particularly in cereal-based feeds, where levels can reach 60–80%, often exceeding those in food crops.

 

A study conducted by Kemin (pp. 5-6) found that mycotoxins in animal feed and raw materials remain a persistent challenge in livestock production, particularly in Asia-Pacific. With stricter feed safety regulations and rising productivity demands, proactive measures- such as testing, strategic sourcing, and effective management-are now essential for compliance, livestock health, and food quality and reliable safeguarding of livestock health.

 

The study also presented advanced strategies for identifying and managing mycotoxins to enhance production efficiency in livestock and poultry. These initiatives also reinforce feed security by improving the analysis of mycotoxin contamination across the region and underscoring the urgent need for proactive monitoring and control. The findings further reveal that the feed industry's challenge extends beyond detecting individual mycotoxins-it involves tackling the compounded effects of multiple toxins acting together. Addressing this requires practical, day-to-day management measures that move beyond the confines of laboratory testing. In today's competitive market, producers face growing pressure to maintain feed quality, protect animal health, and sustain performance. Since multiple mycotoxins commonly occur together in livestock feed, ongoing monitoring and reliable detection methods are essential. Understanding multimycotoxin contamination and its toxicological effects remains vital for safeguarding animal health, productivity, and public health. Ongoing research and innovation will be critical to addressing emerging threats and adapting to environmental changes.

 

In this context, Kemin's research is particularly significant, as the feed and livestock industries must move beyond basic toxin-binding approaches. These findings deepen producers' understanding of the complexity of mycotoxins and emphasise the importance of accurate detection to enhance animal resilience, ensure broader protection, and improve overall efficacy in livestock production. Such research is vital for safeguarding the future of the feed and livestock sectors, driving productivity, and supporting more sustainable food systems.

 

The full article is published on the NOVEMBER 2025 issue of LIVESTOCK & FEED Business. To read the full report, please email to inquiry@efeedlink.com to request for a complimentary copy of the magazine, indicating your name, mailing address and title of the report.