Alltech launches mycotoxin management program

Molds and mycotoxins dominated headlines last year as the ever-present threat showed up in feed bunks and silage piles in the aftermath of the 2012 drought and the devastating Sandy surge. While warnings were continuously issued on contaminated grains, many livestock producers were left with little information on the actual risks associated with these toxins on their own farms.

With this dilemma in mind and a goal to bring the latest mycotoxin research applications to the farm level, Alltech is proud to announce the launch of their five-point Alltech Mycotoxin Management Program. This multiple-mycotoxin control program for feedstuffs is designed to reduce risk and improve safety, while ensuring that mycotoxins do not limit livestock performance and profitability, or pose a threat to the food chain.

Alltech formed a global mycotoxin management team more than a year ago to focus on developing tools to diagnose mycotoxin risk more accurately, to create a network of mycotoxin consultants and researchers around the world and to develop technologies to manage the menace of multiple mycotoxins. This five-point approach encompasses all of the company’s efforts to redefine mycotoxin control and no longer address single mycotoxin issues but mycotoxin synergy problems.

“For three decades, we have believed that animal feed seldom contains a single mycotoxin. Although many mycotoxin interactions have been proven in academic settings, it has been difficult to understand such interactions due to the lack of extensive mycotoxin testing,” said Dr. Swamy Haladi, global technical director for Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management Team. “Over the last four years, our scientists have developed the 37⁺ Program, wherein more than 37 mycotoxins can be quantified in a single run. This program involves the application of UPLC-MS/MS methodologies, which not only help in assessing multiple mycotoxins in a more accurate manner but also allow the analysis of a wide range of feedstuffs, including forages, which may not be possible with conventional methods such as ELISA and HPLC.”

To date more than 1,000 samples from all over the world, with North America and Europe being the predominant regions, have been subjected to the 37⁺ Program. Ninety-eight percent of the samples tested contained at least one mycotoxin while 93 percent contained two or more mycotoxins. Fumonisins (80 percent) and the DON group of mycotoxins (73 percent) were the predominant mycotoxin groups detected. When looking at the average concentrations, these two groups of mycotoxins along with T-2 group and zearalenone can cause the most toxicity in animals.

1. Commentary: Branding dilemma (or milk by any other name)
2. Treating hypocalcemia routinely
3. Ongoing wave of Calif. metal theft prompts further legislation
4. University workshops address workforce management issues
5. Ag markets posted a general advance mid-day Wednesday
6. Can you guess your cow's NEFAs?

1. 4 rules for growing a business or industry
2. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
3. Chocolate milk a top post-workout food
4. What do dairy exports mean for Minnesota?
5. D.C. Watch: Farm bill progressing
6. April milk production up 0.3 percent

1. Buffet concerned about soil and starvation
2. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
3. N.M. rancher charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty
4. 2014 Farm Bill: Are we near an agreement?
5. Farm bill and immigration reform action needed