dsm-firmenich has released the latest results of the World Mycotoxin Survey from January to December 2023. Mycotoxins are naturally produced by the fungi that can contaminate feed raw materials in the field and storage and are detrimental to the health of animals. 

Each year since 2004, dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has analyzed a large number of feed samples from around the world to understand and monitor contamination levels of the different mycotoxins in a variety of feed ingredients. This information is shared in the annual dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey. The survey accurately identifies mycotoxin risks based on animal species and location.

Until December, 23,808 samples were collected and analyzed from 95 countries around the world.

The results concluded that Fusarium mycotoxins fumonisins, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone are most frequently found, with the highest regions of mycotoxins found in North and Central America, South Asia, China and Taiwan. 

Key highlights revealed the negative effects of mycotoxins on each species. 

“Over 80% of swine feed material samples revealed multiple mycotoxins, with only 6% below detection limits,” said Adsos Passos, global swine feed optimization marketing manager for dsm-firmenich. “Mycotoxins have a direct influence on culling decisions, reproduction issues, lameness, and other common diseases. From hindering uterus and ovary functionality to compromising immunity and escalating nutrient demands, mycotoxins pose multiple threats to swine.”

These effects extend to bone health, inducing repercussions on bone fragility and arterial function, Passos added. “Understanding these challenges is pivotal for holistic mycotoxin management in safeguarding livestock and optimizing overall health.”

Elle Chadwick, poultry feed quality specialist at dsm-firmenich commented: “With the global demand for poultry, meat, and eggs increasing, mycotoxins pose a prevalent threat worldwide, compromising poultry immunity, gut integrity, and vaccine efficacy. Integrating mycotoxin risk management safeguards your flock's health investments, enhancing performance, and ensuring premium products. With dsm-firmenich's comprehensive solutions, mycotoxin risk management emerges as a crucial component, protecting, promoting, and ensuring confidence in your poultry products’. 

Ignacio Artavia, global marketing manager ruminants for dsm-firmenich, explained that over 60% of ruminant feed material samples show contamination by multiple mycotoxins. “With these levels seen globally we can expect negative impacts on ruminants in milk production, immune health and fertility, highlighting the critical need for proactive mycotoxin management in safeguarding the well-being and productivity of our ruminant herds.”

The survey also includes details on: 

“Mycotoxins are a continuous threat to animal health, with adverse effects impacting reproduction, digestive disorders and performance. The latest results reveal that mycotoxins continue to pose a global threat to animal welfare and farm productivity, highlighting the importance of implementing the right mycotoxin management strategy,” said Ursula Hofstetter, head of mycotoxin risk management at dsm-firmenich.