23 Feb Report on the occurrence of mycotoxins in Chinese feedstuffs – 2020-2021
This report is a statistical summary of the more than 1100 analysis that we made in our laboratory of clinical services during 2020 and 2021. Determinations of total aflatoxins (AFLA), vomitoxin (DON), fumonisins (FUM), T2-toxin (T2) and zearalenone (ZEN), were carried out in samples of feedstuffs provided by our Chinese customers.
General view of mycotoxin contamination
Looking at the general levels of contamination of all samples, all the samples we analyzed were contaminated with three mycotoxins or more. Compared to the results obtained in 2019, we found more mycotoxins in each sample, on average.
We detected aflatoxins, fumonisins or zearalenone in more than 95% of the samples, and DON and T2 toxin in more than 80% of the samples. DON and fumonisins were the mycotoxins that most frequently found to be above the recommended limit. The results were similar to those of 2019.
Results by specie
Statistics on mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs for swine
Most of the samples were positive to four or more mycotoxins.
More than 95% of the samples exceeded the safety limits of DON. As it is well-known, this toxin is related to impaired feed intake, decreased performance and alterations of gut health.
The number of samples exceeding the safety limits of zearalenone (70%) and fumonisins (41%) were also high.
Statistics on mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs for broilers
36% of the samples exceeded the recommended levels of DON (vomitoxin). This mycotoxin is related to impaired feed intake, reduced growth and occurrence of digestive diseases.
Statistics on mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs for layers
91% of the samples of feedstuffs for layers exceeded the safety limits for T-2 toxin, a mycotoxin related to oral lesions and poor egg quality.
57% of the samples of feedstuffs for layers exceeded the safety limits for fumonisins. Fumonisins are related to poor feed conversion, deficient egg quality and impaired gut heath.
56% of the samples of feedstuffs for layers exceeded the safety limits for DON, which is related to decreased productivity, higher occurrence of egg defects and digestive diseases.
Statistics on mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs for breeders
68% of the samples of feedstuffs for breeders exceeded the safety limits for DON, which is related to decreased productivity, higher occurrence of egg defects and digestive diseases.
42% of the samples of feedstuffs for breeders exceeded the safety limits for fumonisins. Fumonisins are related to poor feed conversion, deficient egg quality and impaired gut heath.
Conclusions
Comparing the results of this survey to the results of the survey made in 2019, we found more mycotoxins in each sample, on average. Furthermore, the percentage of samples that exceed the recommended limit has increased, especially for DON.
The level of contamination of feedstuffs for swine, layers and breeders has worsened significantly compared to 2019.
The results of this mycotoxin survey reiterate the importance of performing a mycotoxin determination of the feedstuffs prior to feeding them to the animals. We at PlusVet Animal Health offer a professional analysis service that determinates the mycotoxin levels your feeds, raw materials or milk and helps to make a risk assessment.
We underscore that, although there are a lot of mycotoxin binders in the market, PlusBind© and PlusBind Bio© show better adsorption rate for all mycotoxin than competitors, thanks to their strategic blends of highly active mycotoxin sequestering silicates.
The annual mycotoxin survey is bought to you thanks to the work of the Technical Team at Plusvet Animal Health, especially Ms. YuHaxia, Ms. TaiWenshu and Ms. SunYing.
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