The risk of feeding with mycotoxins this season is high compared to previous years!

Published: 2024-03-21

Europe has, as the rest of the world, experienced increasing mycotoxin levels over the last 10 years.

Due to the big challenges in the field with heat in June and then rainy and windy in July and August, we are looking into a high level of mycotoxins during this feeding season. The figure above clearly shows this, with an increased incidence of 28-62% compared to 2022.

Figur 1: Source: DSM Mycotoxin Survey 2023

The risk of mycotoxins being found in the feed (Q4 2023) is assessed at a moderate to high risk level this year. In the samples for Europe, which are general and not only for cereals, we see the following content in the feed:

In 54% of the samples, more than one mycotoxin is found, in 21% of the samples one mycotoxin is found and only in 25% there is none or a low level (which cannot be analyzed) of mycotoxins present.
DON +NIV is the most prevalent toxin this year, which for pigs can result in vomiting and reduced feed intake and milk yield, as well as damage the digestive system (reduced intestinal function). For sows, DON can also affect reproduction (return rate and abortions). For all animal groups, the immune system can be affected negatively.

Furthermore, we see a high level and a large occurrence of ZEN which negatively affects the reproduction of sows, as well as causing abortion and stillborn piglets.

Any questions?

Please contact one of our nutritionists in Vilomix.

Also, the straw seems to have a high content of mycotoxins. In our Danish analyzed samples, ZEN was found in 50% and DON in >80%. Both from moderate to high levels. In addition, masked toxins have been found in 60-80% of the samples. Masked toxins are not visible to either the plant or the animal and are transformed into the original form (e.g., masked Deoxynivalenol-3-Glucoside turns into Deoxynivalenol) in the digestive system of the pig and will be absorbed. It cannot be detected by the ELISA method of analysis and requires a more extensive analysis. In 3 out of the 12 samples, ergot has also been found.

In practice, we see that more feed has been added with toxin binders and in higher doses than before. In addition, we recommend avoiding using the straw if high levels of toxins are suspected in it. If you are getting to the bottom of your silos, there is an increased risk of problems in the herd with mycotoxins.

X-Bond Standard and X-Bond Premium not only bind Afla- and Ochratoxins but also deactivate DON and FUM. X-Bond Premium also deactivates ZEN, as well as supporting the pig's intestines, liver, and immune system, which is why we recommend this for especially sows.