Despite ongoing advances supporting feed safety on the farm and at the mill, challenges continue to proliferate. Mycotoxins are a good example. Whereas just a few years ago, roughly 600 mycotoxins were recognized, today there are more than 700 known mycotoxins. Mitigating the risks that these toxic metabolites pose to animal and human health is made more complex by emerging mycotoxins and more extreme weather events driven by climate change.
During the 15th World Mycotoxin Forum (WMF) in Salzburg, Austria, 7-9 April, delegates explored mycotoxins through the lens of “building a resilient food system in the digital decade.”
Key Takeaways from the 15th WMF:
Rapid analysis can support faster detection and earlier mitigation
Mycotoxins pose problems for stakeholders across the value chain. Tools that can quickly and accurately scan raw materials for harmful mycotoxins support the health and performance of animals. Such technologies also support feed mills in determining whether to accept or reject ingredients used in feed. On-site, rapid assessment tools can be complemented by confirmatory analytical tools at laboratories.
Technology can support animals’ resilience to mycotoxins
Resilience was a big theme at WMF, and technology can play an important role in helping animals be more resilient. For example, Trouw Nutrition is conducting research on enzyme, gut health and immune booster technologies that may help animals be less susceptible to the harmful effects of mycotoxins.
Human exposure to mycotoxins suggests neurodegenerative concerns
Beyond harming animals, mycotoxins also pose a threat to humans. Historically, much of the concern about mycotoxins and human health risk has focused on liver and esophageal cancers. However, science is starting to link neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s to mycotoxins. Further investigation is needed to understand how long-term mycotoxin exposure may affect human health.
Differential diagnosis can prevent wrong conclusions
The mycotoxin landscape is dynamic and constantly evolves at farms and feed mills. Amid this toxicological chaos, relying on a single strategy for managing mycotoxin risk is impractical and likely to be ineffective. During WMF, Trouw Nutrition presented the concept of differential diagnosis as a strategy for effective mycotoxin risk management. Differential diagnosis aims to identify the causative factors behind performance issues on the farm. When an animal starts presenting a problem –such as gizzard erosions in chickens, reproductive problems in pigs, or lameness in dairy cows – it is important not to jump to conclusions and blame the issue on mycotoxins. Instead, employing a multi-discipline approach that considers the interrelationship between the animal’s health status, farm management, and feed mill processes can get to the root of a problem. As differential diagnosis brings a more holistic approach to exploring a problem, it helps prevent overlooking interventions that may best address an issue. For example, a farm might need to update its vaccination programmes, or a feed mill might implement additional biosecurity measures.
Predictive capabilities should be considered in context with practical limitations
The predictive capabilities of AI are quite promising for mycotoxin research and may make it easier to introduce pre-emptory mitigation strategies in the future. However, predictive insights are only as valid as the data put into AI models. Sampling error can skew AI-generated results, potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions. For example, a greater amount of data collected from one country or a higher concentration of samples from an area experiencing high levels of contamination may skew the broader dataset. A lack of proper sample labeling procedures can further complicate sampling.
Interactions with emerging mycotoxins may affect toxicity levels
Enniatins are an interesting group of emerging mycotoxins that are produced from Fusarium fungus. They act as natural ionophores and disrupt cellular calcium homeostasis and affect mitochondrial function. They can also act as enzyme inhibitors, affecting processes like lipid metabolism. Such an effect of enniatins may potentially increase the negative effects of deoxynivalenol (DON), leading to enhanced overall toxicity. Already in Europe, these two mycotoxins are reported at significant concentrations in animal feeds.
Climate and infrastructure in different regions contribute to the global mycotoxin challenge
Conditions that are out of producers’ hands can contribute to different mycotoxin issues. For example, while North America has advanced harvesting technology and storage facilities, the climactic conditions of fields in the U.S. Midwest are favourable for the growth of Fusarium fungus and subsequent DON and ZEA mycotoxin production. Conditions in the months of July and August provide a perfect opportunity for this fungus to attack as evidenced by many global surveys.
Conversely, climate conditions in Africa are less conducive to mould growth capable of producing DON and ZEA than in the Midwest. However, fewer good systems for storing raw materials can provide favourable conditions for the growth of moulds, capable of producing aflatoxins, and ochratoxins.
Mycotoxin risk management presents an ongoing challenge and opportunity for the industry
As noted at WMF, the number of known mycotoxins continues to increase. However, researchers are also pioneering innovative approaches including enzyme, microbial, and phytogenic tools to address mycotoxin risk. Additionally, differential diagnosis can help inform approaches that target the underlying issue.
The research continues as new scientists are finding mycotoxin risk management an exciting area. During a Young Scientists Forum presented by Trouw Nutrition at WMF, young scientists shared their ideas for tackling both new and ongoing mycotoxin challenges worldwide. The winning idea highlighted how a better understanding of the occurrence and adverse effects of emerging mycotoxins, in addition to “Big 6” mycotoxins, may help in realizing a holistic approach to mycotoxin risk management. Within the research community, work to advance mycotoxin understanding is leading to new commercial offerings for producers. Trouw Nutrition will soon launch in Brazil, a mycotoxin mitigation tool that targets fumonisins, in addition to other well-known and emerging mycotoxins.
by Dr. Swamy Haladi, Trouw Nutrition
