Mycotoxin Contamination in Animal Feed

Mycotoxin contamination in feed ingredients continues to be a substantial problem within animal diets, specifically Deoxynivalenol (DON). Pigs in particular are affected by mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. Symptoms can include; reduced growth, increased need for health treatments, tissue damage and poor immune systems.

A recent study investigated DON contamination – the most common mycotoxin present in pig feed. Deoxynivalenol usually infects corn, wheat, barley and other important feed ingredients. Due to the huge effects small concentrations of DON can have on pigs, there are limits to the amount allowed in pig feed being sold globally. According to Biomin (2019), 85% of all grain samples and 90% of finished feed samples in North America contained DON.

In order to help solve this issue, Randox Food Diagnostics developed the Myco 9 array which allows the detection of up to nine different mycotoxins from one single sample. Myco 9 allows the detection of multiple mycotoxins such as: Aflatoxin B1/B2, AflatoxinG1/G2, Paxilline, T2 Toxin, Ochratoxin A, Fumonisins, Zearalenone, Diacetoxyscirpenol and Deoxynivalenol. Validated matrices include; cereals & mixed feed, wheat, rye, oats, barley, sugar beet, soya, corn and oil seeds. Validation reports are available on request.

Randox Food Diagnostics also offer the only commercially available, fit for purpose ergot alkaloid ELISA on the market that meets all legislative EU requirements. Randox ergot alkaloid ELISA is in line with updated Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1399. Detecting the lowest maximum levels of the 12 regulated ergot alkaloids applicable from January 1st 2022, for cereal-based feed, wheat, rye, oats, barley and spelt and their milling products.

For more information, contact us directly via email: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com