Selko recently presented the findings from its 2024 Global Mycotoxin Review during a comprehensive webinar. This review analyzed over 86,000 samples from 47 countries, including grains, byproducts, protein meals, silages, and total mixed rations (TMRs), to provide valuable insights into the presence and concentrations of key mycotoxins that pose risks to livestock and poultry. Additionally, the report outlines potential mycotoxin risks for animals in 2025.

Selko, a prominent brand within Nutreco’s feed additive portfolio, utilized data from Trouw Nutrition’s Global Database to prepare the 2024 review. The analysis specifically focused on the “Big 6” mycotoxins: Deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2/HT-2 Toxin (T2HT2), zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisins (FUM), aflatoxin (AFLA), and ochratoxins (OCHRA). These mycotoxins are commonly monitored at feed mills using rapid analytical tools, and extensive research has established their detrimental effects on animal health.

Global Mycotoxin Contamination in 2024

The findings revealed that ZEA was the most frequently detected mycotoxin in 2024, present in 66% of the samples analyzed. Following closely were DON (58%), FUM (54%), and T2HT2 (56%), which were detected in more than half of the samples. Notably, DON and FUM exhibited the highest average and median concentrations, indicating a significant presence in various feed components (refer to Figure 1).

Maize, wheat, and barley emerged as the most prevalent grains used in global animal diets. Figure 2 illustrates that Fusarium mycotoxin contamination is more widespread in these grains compared to AFLA and OCHRA. Contamination levels of T2HT2, DON, and ZEA exceeded 40% across all grain types, while FUM contamination was notably lower in wheat and barley. This variance may explain the differing concentrations of FUM in animal feeds worldwide, which often depend on grain composition. As anticipated, mycotoxin contamination levels were higher in grain byproducts than in their parent grains, with soybean meal showing elevated levels of ZEA and T2HT2 contamination.

Regional Mycotoxin Contamination in 2024

Regionally, the analysis highlighted that AFLA (50%) and ZEA (46%) were the predominant contaminants in samples from the Middle East and Africa. In Asia, more than 50% of samples were contaminated with AFLA, OCHRA, FUM, and ZEA. In contrast, European samples showed more than 40% contamination of T2HT2 and DON, alongside ZEA and FUM. Latin America reported that over 40% of all tested samples contained five of the “Big 6” mycotoxins, excluding T2HT2. In North America, all mycotoxins except for AFLA were detected in over 90% of the samples analyzed. Dr. Swamy Haladi, Technical Commercial Manager for Selko’s Mycotoxin Risk Management Program, noted that feed mills increasingly rely on imported raw materials, which may introduce different mycotoxin challenges depending on the source country.

Mycotoxin Risk in Animals

The assessment of mycotoxin risk in various animal species indicated that FUM and AFLA presented higher risks for both broiler and layer chickens. Conversely, DON and T2HT2 risks were more pronounced for broilers and layers, respectively. For piglets and sow feed samples, the risks associated with ZEA, FUM, and DON were expectedly elevated. In the case of grower/finisher pigs, AFLA also posed a significant risk alongside ZEA and DON. Notably, more grower/finisher feeds fell into high mycotoxin risk categories compared to sow feeds, indicating a need for increased attention during diet formulation for this production phase. The impact of AFLA on milk quality was also highlighted, as more dairy concentrate samples exhibited risks for AFLA, followed by DON and ZEA.

Predictive Modelling Forecasts for Q1 2025 Mycotoxins

The data on mycotoxin presence and trends is instrumental in fostering a proactive approach to mitigation strategies. A suite of predictive models aims to estimate the likelihood of mycotoxin contamination in upcoming crops. These models are designed to support informed decisions regarding crop management, ingredient harvesting, and storage practices. Dr. Haladi emphasized that proactive assessments may prove to be more effective and cost-efficient than reactive strategies.

Avinash Bhat, Technical Specialist for Mycotoxin Analysis at Selko, elaborated on Trouw Nutrition’s statistical model, which suggests potential mycotoxin concerns for 2025. This forecasting model takes into account various factors, including weather conditions, simulated crop development, historical contamination data, and machine learning algorithms. Bhat noted that the model indicated the potential for significant levels of FUM, DON, ZEA, and T2 toxins in the first quarter of 2025.

Reflecting on the review and the predictions for Q1, Dr. Haladi stated, “Between 24% and 66% of samples analyzed in our 2024 global mycotoxin analysis were contaminated with mycotoxins. As conditions affecting crops, storage, and feed mills are constantly fluctuating, accurate data, modelling, and proactive mitigation strategies can help manage mycotoxin risk.”

To safeguard animals from mycotoxins, nutritionists can implement practical measures such as applying liquid mold inhibitors in silos and utilizing mycotoxin mitigation agents in feeds. It is essential that these mitigation agents employ multiple modes of action, as binding alone is not effective against all mycotoxins.