Protect animals and profits with early action
Mycotoxins in animal feed: The rising threat and how to tackle it
Mycotoxins in animal feed continue to pose a serious challenge, with climate change further increasing the risk of contamination. A clear, proactive strategy makes all the difference: feed producers who monitor early and act quickly can avoid performance loss, safeguard animal health and improve feed efficiency. Tools like MoldCid Pro and Anta®Ferm MT 80 help protect raw materials and support livestock productivity, even under challenging conditions. The result? Stronger performance, lower costs and higher returns – all from a well-designed mycotoxin management programme.
Start feed safety with proven solutions
Mycotoxins remain a serious and persistent challenge in animal agriculture. These toxic fungal metabolites contaminate feed and raw materials, posing a substantial risk to animal health, productivity and food safety. With over 400 known mycotoxins, their effects range from acute toxicity to long-term organ damage, often resulting in economic losses and compromised animal welfare. Tackling this growing threat requires a strategic, science-based approach that combines advanced detection methods with effective mitigation strategies.
Understanding mycotoxin proliferation and its impact on livestock
Mycotoxin contamination can occur at any stage – from crop growth to storage and transport. Among the many contributing factors, environmental conditions – particularly temperature and humidity – during pre- and post-harvest storage play a crucial role. Climate change has further intensified the issue, with rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns creating ideal conditions for fungal growth.
Globally regulated mycotoxins include aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2/HT-2 toxins and zearalenone. These compounds vary in structure and toxicity, resulting in different effects across species. Regions such as Kenya, China and South Africa have been identified as high-risk areas, particularly for aflatoxins and fumonisins.
Given the complexity and regional variability of contamination, effective management begins with timely and accurate detection. A combination of field testing and laboratory analysis provides the most reliable basis for ongoing mycotoxin monitoring and rapid response.
The real cost: How mycotoxins affect animal health and productivity
Mycotoxins can significantly impair animal performance. Clinical signs include reduced feed intake, vomiting and diarrhoea, liver and kidney damage, and metabolic disruptions. Immunosuppression increases the risk of secondary infections, while reproductive issues – such as poor fertility, embryonic loss and poor egg production – further reduce productivity.
Moreover, feedstuffs are rarely contaminated by a single mycotoxin. Instead, multiple toxins often occur simultaneously, and their additive or synergistic effects can severely worsen health outcomes. This growing challenge of multi-mycotoxicosis calls for comprehensive, integrated mitigation strategies.
Dr. Eckel feed safety solutions: Proven and practical
Effective feed safety requires a multi-level approach, starting with prevention at the source. Better crop management, pest control and optimal storage conditions can reduce fungal growth. One key measure is mould inhibition, which protects raw materials from spoilage.
MoldCid Pro, a synergistic blend of propionic, benzoic and formic acids, targets microbial activity and pH balance – two essential factors in mould development. As a result, MoldCid Pro provides reliable, long-term protection during grain storage. In a feed trial conducted in Vietnam, MoldCid Pro significantly reduced mould growth over an eight-week period.
However, when contamination has already occurred, mycotoxin binding becomes critical. Anta®Ferm MT 80 is a multifunctional complex of organic and inorganic binders that offers broad-spectrum protection across various animal species. When added to feed, it improves productivity and feed efficiency under mycotoxin-challenged conditions, making it a vital component of any robust feed safety programme.
Field results: Anta®Ferm MT 80 in broiler production
To turn global concern into practical outcomes, Anta®Ferm MT 80 has been tested across multiple broiler production systems – where economic returns are particularly sensitive to mycotoxin exposure. Repeated field trials confirm the product’s efficacy in mitigating the harmful effects of mycotoxins.
In two 37-day trials, broilers fed diets supplemented with Anta®Ferm MT 80 (1 kg/tonne of feed) achieved superior results compared to an untreated control group. Final body weight improved by 4.3% and 9.2%, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved by 3.8% and 9% respectively.
From detection to effective defence
A drop in animal performance can be the first visible indicator of a hidden mycotoxin challenge. That’s why it pays to act early – with the right feed additives, producers can intervene before losses escalate.
Mycotoxins pose a growing threat to livestock health and feed quality, made worse by the effects of climate change. To safeguard animal performance and farm profitability, early detection and effective intervention are essential. By combining innovative mould prevention with reliable mycotoxin binding, MoldCid Pro and Anta®Ferm MT 80 offer feed producers a smart, science-backed strategy for ensuring feed safety, animal welfare and sustainable production.
Don’t wait for performance to drop. Choose prevention, act early and protect your animals with Dr. Eckel’s proven solutions.