Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins and Animal Management

If unacceptable mycotoxin levels occur, removal of the contaminated feed is preferable. While it is often not possible to completely replace the ration, particularly the forage ingredients, obviously, moldy feeds should be removed. Acidic diets may intensify the effects of mycotoxins and should be avoided in these situations. Increasing nutrients such as protein, energy (fats and carbohydrates), and vitamins in the diet may also be advisable. The addition of antioxidants to the animal assists in dealing with the effects of mycotoxins.

The possible use of inorganic binders (mineral clays) to bind mycotoxins, and prevent them from being absorbed by the animal's gut, has received a lot of research attention recently. These clay products (which include zeolites, bentonite, bleaching clays from refining of canola oil, and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates [HSCAS]) have been shown to change the responses of rats to zearalenone and T-2 toxin. However, it should be clearly understood that binding of some mycotoxins may be weak or nonexistent and that clay products differ in their ability to bind mycotoxins. While one HSCAS product called NovaSil has been shown to bind aflatoxin protecting animals against aflatoxicosis, under FDA regulations these clay products cannot be sold as mycotoxin binders. Nonetheless, many clay products are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and are used as anticaking or free-flow additives for feeds. The use of brand names in this publication does not imply endorsement of the products or services named or criticism of similar ones not mentioned.

Prepared by

Mary Beth Genter, Extension Toxicology Specialist
Winston M. Hagler, Director of NCSU Mycotoxin Laboratory
Jeff A. Hansen, Extension Animal Science Specialist
Bob A. Mowrey, Extension Animal Science Specialist
Frank T. Jones, Editor, Extension Poultry Science Specialist
Matt H. Poore, Extension Animal Science Specialist
Lon W. Whitlow, Extension Animal Science Specialist

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/