The right choice is essential
It is well known that mycotoxins account for huge economic losses. Estimates indicate that 25% of crops worldwide are affected, leading to annual losses of up to a billion tonnes and billions of euro.
Multi-mycotoxin contamination is a frequently encountered challenge. Since multiple mycotoxins have an amplifying effect, contamination leads to more drastic effects on animal performance and health in practice. Therefore, selecting the right mycotoxin binder by directly evaluating its efficacy with naturally contaminated feed is key.
Large differences under practical conditions
To assess the effectivity of Anta®Ferm MT 80 in comparison to other mycotoxin binders, day-old broiler chicks (starting weight: 42 g) were allocated to four groups over 36 days. In addition to a negative control (NC) and Anta®Ferm MT 80, two commercial mycotoxin binders were tested: product 1 based on yeast cell walls and product 2 based on mineral clay.
Table 1: Dosage of mycotoxin binders assessed in the broiler field study
| Group | Dosage of mycotoxin binder |
| NC | – |
| Anta®Ferm MT 80 | 1.0 kg/t |
| Product 1 | 1.0 kg/t |
| Product 2 | 2.0 kg/t |
Prior to the field study, the mycotoxin concentration in the basic diet was analysed. The results showed that the feed was naturally contaminated with all major mycotoxins.
Table 2: Mycotoxin levels in the naturally contaminated feed
| Mycotoxin | Feed Contamination [ppb] |
| T-2 | 170.0 |
| Deoxynivalenol | 270.0 |
| Aflatoxin | 5.0 |
| Zearalenone | 27.0 |
| Ochratoxin A | 23.0 |
| Fumonisin | 1,700.0 |
In comparison to the negative control and both competing products, the broilers supplied with Anta®Ferm MT 80 showed the best growth performance (Figure 1). Most notably, Anta®Ferm MT 80 also clearly outperformed product 2, although only half the dosage was applied.
The live weight gain was higher than the NC (+8.0%), product 1 (+5.4%) and product 2 (+2.4%). In addition, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved with Anta®Ferm MT 80, in comparison to the NC (-8.8%), product 1 (-3.2%) and product 2 (-1.8%).
Figure 1: Broiler performance parameters over the entire trial period
Anta®Ferm MT 80: High performance at low dosage
In a field trial with commercial feed containing multiple mycotoxins, Anta®Ferm MT 80 outperformed two competing products. Although only half the dosage was applied in comparison to one of the products, better performance parameters were achieved. A clear benefit in terms of performance and costs, and thus in terms of overall profitability.