Mycotoxin control

The co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in feed has a serious impact on the performance and well-being of production animals. Commercial mycotoxin management preparations are (partially) based on adsorbents. These adsorbents are able to bind, to a certain extent, specific mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Most tested/used adsorbents are aluminosilicates, mainly zeolites, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates (HSCAS), and aluminosilicate-containing clays. Most aluminosilicates can alleviate the toxic effects of polar mycotoxins (e.g. aflatoxins and fumonisins). Yeast derived products are also known for their binding properties, but here the focus is more on the non-polar mycotoxins (e.g. zearalenone). Adsorption of mycotoxins is a valid strategy, but complete binding is not achievable for some mycotoxins. As a preventive measure, propionate can be used effectively to reduce growth of the Aspergillus species and production of mycotoxins as such.

Trichothecenes, in particular, are difficult to bind and have a known harmful effect on gut intestinal cells and liver. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is known to decrease villus height and reduce trans epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) leading to a decreased absorption and digestion of dietary nutrients and an increased intestinal barrier permeability. Orffa applies a gut- and hepatoprotective strategy to support animals in cases of trichothecene contamination.