Alltech highlights mycotoxin threat to global feed supply in 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis

ASIA – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition, has released its 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis, now in its fourth edition, providing essential insights to help feed and livestock producers navigate the growing threat of mycotoxin contamination in imported feed materials.

Based on data from the Alltech 2024 Harvest Analysis conducted in Europe and North America, the report highlights significant regional variations in mycotoxin contamination. 

Weather conditions have played a crucial role in shaping the risk landscape, with different regions experiencing unique challenges.

“The 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis discloses significant diversity in crop quality and mycotoxin risk across the key grain-growing regions globally,” said Nick Adams, Commercial Director at Alltech. 

He explained that contrasting weather conditions in Europe result in a distinct difference in mycotoxin profiles between grains harvested in Southern and Northern Europe. 

“These findings illustrate the importance of understanding the mycotoxin landscape when purchasing raw materials and proactively countering these quality challenges,” he added. 

For example, in Europe, deoxynivalenol (DON) remains the primary concern in Northern regions, while aflatoxins dominate corn crops in the South. 

The United States has also seen a surge in Fusarium-related toxins, including DON, zearalenone, and fumonisins, due to pre-harvest rains that created ideal conditions for contamination. 

A subsequent dry harvest further exacerbated the problem, leading to damaged kernels and increased foreign matter, raising concerns about storage and shipping.

Canada has not been spared from mycotoxin threats, with Fusarium toxins continuing to impact wheat and barley, reinforcing the need for routine testing. 

Meanwhile, Brazil remains a hotspot for contamination, with aflatoxins, DON, fumonisins, and zearalenone widely detected, posing a particularly severe risk to pigs.

Devastating effects on livestock

The impact of mycotoxins on livestock is profound. Alltech’s report details the specific risks for different species, with pigs being among the most affected. 

Mycotoxin exposure has been linked to significant reductions in growth rates, with European samples recording losses of up to 48.4 grams per day, while in the United States, pigs experienced an average reduction of 28.3 grams per day.

Broilers also suffer from mycotoxin contamination, as their feed conversion efficiency worsens due to interference with nutrient absorption and metabolism. 

Dairy cows, too, are not spared, with contaminated feed reducing milk production by up to 0.66 liters per cow per day. 

Additionally, somatic cell counts, an indicator of animal stress, have been observed to spike by 94 percent in affected herds.

Bolstering mycotoxin management

To mitigate these risks, Alltech advocates for a proactive, multi-step approach to mycotoxin management. Routine testing through Alltech 37+® and Alltech RAPIREAD™ enables early detection, while the use of Mycosorb® mycotoxin adsorbents helps minimise toxicity effects. 

Tools such as Alltech PROTECT™ and the DIET™ Estimator aid in optimising feed safety, offering valuable resources for producers aiming to safeguard their livestock.

With Asian feed and livestock producers continuing to rely heavily on imported grains, mycotoxin contamination remains a pressing concern. The Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis serves as an essential resource, providing vital insights into regional risks and species-specific impacts. 

As part of the report’s launch, Alltech will host a webinar, “Mycotoxin Insights to Empower Your Nutritional Strategy,” on March 27 at 3:00 p.m. Singapore time. 

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