Mycotoxin Contamination Of Feed Research Articles

Assessment of mycotoxin sequestration efficacy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by-products cultured in wheat bran and whey protein medium

Mycotoxins are metabolic products of fungi found in feed for farm animals and pose a major threat to food safety due to their adverse health effects. The development of strategies to reduce their bioavailability is crucial. In this context, the cell wall components of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YCW), especially β-d-glucans and Mannan-oligosaccharide, have been recognized as potent mycotoxin binders. The objective of this research was to develop a novel culture medium to increase the biomass yield of S. cerevisiae and optimize cell disruption by stepwise physical lysis and hydrolytic preconditioning. This process resulted in a yield of approximately 56% reducing saccharides and 28.54% protein. Subsequently, the β-glucan was extracted after cell wall sequestration. The isolated YCW and extracted β-glucan were characterized both individually and synergistically to evaluate their antibacterial properties and analyze their Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity revealed that a concentration greater than 250 μg/mL of YCW-β-glucan blend significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, this blend showed good adsorption of various mycotoxins, including Aflatoxin B1, Ochratoxin A, and Zearalenone, the latter of which exhibited a remarkable adsorption rate of 80.85%. This study highlights the promising potential of a combination of YCW and β-glucan as a robust strategy to address the pervasive problem of mycotoxin contamination in feed.

Co-Occurrence of Aflatoxin B1, Zearalenone and Ochratoxin A in Feed and Feed Materials in Central Italy from 2018 to 2022.

Mycotoxin contamination of feed and feed materials represent a serious health hazard. This study details the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in 826 feed and 617 feed material samples, collected in two Italian Regions (Umbria and Marche) from 2018 to 2022 analyzed using a UPLC-FLD platform. The developed method was validated and accredited (ISO/IEC 17025) with satisfactory accuracy and precision data obtained in repeatability and intralaboratory reproducibility conditions. Feed had a higher incidence of contaminated samples (26%) with respect to feed materials (6%). AFB1 was found up to 0.1045 mg/kg in cattle feeds and 0.1234 mg/kg in maize; ZEN was detected up to 6.420 mg/kg in sheep feed while OTA was rarely reported and in lower concentrations (up to 0.085 mg/kg). Co-contamination of at least two mycotoxins was reported in 0.8% of the analyzed samples. The incidence of above maximum content/guidance level samples was 2% for feed and feed materials while almost 3-fold-higher for maize (5.8%) suggesting how mycotoxin contamination can affect some matrices more than others. Obtained data can be useful to improve official monitoring plans and therefore further raise awareness of this issue between agriculture stakeholders, healthcare entities and non-professionals.

E-Nose Technology for Mycotoxin Detection in Feed: Ready for a Real Context in Field Application or Still an Emerging Technology?

Mycotoxin risk in the feed supply chain poses a concern to animal and human health, economy, and international trade of agri-food commodities. Mycotoxin contamination in feed and food is unavoidable and unpredictable. Therefore, monitoring and control are the critical points. Effective and rapid methods for mycotoxin detection, at the levels set by the regulations, are needed for an efficient mycotoxin management. This review provides an overview of the use of the electronic nose (e-nose) as an effective tool for rapid mycotoxin detection and management of the mycotoxin risk at feed business level. E-nose has a high discrimination accuracy between non-contaminated and single-mycotoxin-contaminated grain. However, the predictive accuracy of e-nose is still limited and unsuitable for in-field application, where mycotoxin co-contamination occurs. Further research needs to be focused on the sensor materials, data analysis, pattern recognition systems, and a better understanding of the needs of the feed industry for a safety and quality management of the feed supply chain. A universal e-nose for mycotoxin detection is not realistic; a unique e-nose must be designed for each specific application. Robust and suitable e-nose method and advancements in signal processing algorithms must be validated for specific needs.

Elimination of Deoxynivalenol, Aflatoxin B1, and Zearalenone by Gram-Positive Microbes (Firmicutes).

Mycotoxin contaminations in the feed and food chain are common. Either directly or indirectly, mycotoxins enter the human body through the consumption of food of plant and animal origin. Bacteria with a high mycotoxin elimination capability can reduce mycotoxin contamination in feed and food. Four Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis AMK10/1, Lysinibacillus boronitolerans AMK9/1, Lysinibacillus fusiformis AMK10/2, and Rummeliibacillus suwonensis AMK9/2) were isolated from fermented forages and tested for their deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and zearalenone (ZEA) elimination potentials. Notably, the contribution of bacterial cell wall fractions to the observed outstanding ZEA elimination rates was demonstrated; however, the ZEA elimination differed considerably within the tested group of Gram-positive bacteria. It is worth noting that the purified cell wall of L. boronitolerans AMK9/1, L. fusiformis AMK10/2 and B. thuringiensis AMK10/1 were highly efficient in eliminating ZEA and the teichoic acid fractions of B. thuringiensis AMK10/1, and L. fusiformis AMK10/2 could also be successfully used in ZEA binding. The ZEA elimination capacity of viable R. suwonensis AMK9/2 cells was outstanding (40%). Meanwhile, R. suwonensis AMK9/2 and L. boronitolerans AMK9/1 cells produced significant esterase activities, and ZEA elimination of the cell wall fractions of that species did not correlate with esterase activity. DON and AFB1 binding capabilities of the tested bacterial cells and their cell wall fractions were low, except for B. thuringiensis AMK10/1, where the observed high 64% AFB1 elimination could be linked to the surface layer (S-layer) fraction of the cell wall.

Mycotoxin Contamination of Feeds and Raw Materials in China in Year 2021.

In this research, we performed a large-scale survey of mycotoxin contamination in several feed commodities and assessed regional differences in mycotoxin occurrence in maize across China in 2021. Concentrations of aflatoxins, zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisins, and trichothecenes type B were analyzed in 2,643 raw material and compound feed samples collected from eight provinces. Generally, trichothecenes type B, fumonisins, and ZEN were most prevalent and detected in averages of positive concentrations at 1,167, 1,623, and 204 μg/kg, respectively. In the new season maize, samples were also seriously infested with trichothecenes type B, fumonisins, and ZEN, and their averages of positive concentrations were 1,302, 2,518, and 225 μg/kg, respectively. Wheat was commonly contaminated with trichothecenes type B and ZEN, and the highest concentration levels of trichothecenes type B, fumonisins, and ZEN were all detected in the samples from maize by-products. Among the different geographical regions, distinct trends were observed in new season maize. Samples from Shandong province were highly contaminated with trichothecenes type B, fumonisins, and ZEN, while special attention should be paid to aflatoxins and fumonisins in Anhui and Jiangsu provinces in East China. In addition, the present survey showed that compound feeds and raw materials are commonly contaminated by multiple mycotoxins. Trichothecenes type B and ZEN concentrations were correlated significantly in this survey.

I n Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy Assessment of a New Bentonite Based Material Acting as a Multi‐mycotoxin Binder

Background Bentonite, a mineral authorized in Europe as feed additive for reducing mycotoxin contamination in feed (EU Reg. No. 1060/2013), is selective in adsorbing aflatoxins AFB1, but ineffective for other mycotoxins of zootechnical interest. We develop and assess the efficacy of an innovative bentonite-based material (bio-organoclay) acting as a multi-mycotoxin binder, by performing in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods The efficacy of the bio-organoclay in sequestering aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B1 (FB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) was firstly tested in vitro. Then, its efficacy in reducing the urinary excretion of mycotoxins was tested in rats by using the biomarker approach. For each toxin, two groups of rats (0.3 kg initial body weight) were considered: controls received the mycotoxins without the detoxifier, and treated rats received the mycotoxins with the bio-organoclay at 0.5% w/w of feed consumption. Mycotoxins were administered by a intragastric oral bolus. Samples of urine were collected at different time points (4-72 h for AFB1, ZEA and FB1; 4-320 h for OTA). AFB1, ZEA and its metabolites of phase I biotransformation (α-ZOL, β-ZOL and β-ZAL), OTA and FB1 were analyzed in urine by in-house validated UPLC methods. Mycotoxin content in urine was normalized to urinary creatinine concentration. Toxicokinetic parameters were calculated. Results A bentonite containing Na-smectite as major mineral was modified and functionalized. Acid-activation and functionalization processes were optimized at lab level, and optimal conditions were identified. In in vitro studies, at low dosages (0.25-0.5% w/v), the new produced bio-organoclay sequestered more than 95% of AFB1, FB1, OTA, and ZEA, in a large range of pH values (3-9). Mycotoxin adsorption occurred simultaneously with high capacity and affinity as determined by equilibrium isotherms. In rats, the bio-organoclay reduced urinary excretion of AFM1, ZEA, FB1 and OTA respect to the control group, by reducing the AUC and Cmax values. AUC0à72 was significantly reduced by -94% for AFM1, -54% for OTA, and -40% for FB1 (p<0.05). Cmax value of ZEA was reduced by -65% (p<0.05). Conclusion The use of the bio-organoclay as a feed additive can be considered a valid approach to reduce mycotoxins bioavailability in animals exposed to the main mycotoxins, answering to the great demand of these kind of products by animal feed producers. This product can be considered safe, as it has been obtained using reagents that are listed in the E. U. Register of Feed Additives.

Feed-Based Multi-Mycotoxin Occurrence in Smallholder Dairy Farming Systems of South Africa: The Case of Limpopo and Free State.

Mycotoxin contamination of feed does not only cut across food and feed value chains but compromises animal productivity and health, affecting farmers, traders and consumers alike. To aid in the development of a sustainable strategy for mycotoxin control in animal-based food production systems, this study focused on smallholder farming systems where 77 dairy cattle feed samples were collected from 28 smallholder dairy establishments in the Limpopo and Free State provinces of South Africa between 2018 and 2019. Samples were analyzed using a confirmatory UHPLC–MS/MS (Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) method validated for simultaneous detection of 23 mycotoxins in feeds. Overall, mycotoxins assessed were detected across samples with 86% of samples containing at least one mycotoxin above respective decision limits; up to 66% of samples were found to be contaminated with at least three mycotoxins. Findings demonstrated that deoxynivalenol, sterigmatocystin, alternariol and enniatin B were the most common mycotoxins, while low to marginal detection rates were observed for all other mycotoxins with none of the samples containing fusarenon-X, HT-2-toxin and neosolaniol. Isolated cases of deoxynivalenol (maximum: 2385 µg/kg), aflatoxins (AFB1 (maximum: 30.2 µg/kg)/AFG1 (maximum: 23.1 µg/kg)), and zearalenone (maximum: 1793 µg/kg) in excess of local and European regulatory limits were found. Kruskal–Wallis testing for pairwise comparisons showed commercial feed had significantly higher contamination for deoxynivalenol and its acylated derivatives, ochratoxin A and fumonisins (FB1 and FB2), whereas forages had significantly higher alternariol; in addition to significantly higher fumonisin B1 contamination for Limpopo coupled with significantly higher enniatin B and sterigmatocystin for Free State. Statistically significant Spearman correlations (p < 0.01) were also apparent for ratios for deoxynivalenol/fumonisin B1 (rs = 0.587) and zearalenone/alternariol methylether (rs = 0.544).

Mycotoxin Determination in Animal Feed: An LC-FLD Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins and Zearelanone in This Matrix.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds for humans and animals that are produced by fungi. Mycotoxin contamination in feed is a global safety concern and effective control of these compounds in this matrix is needed. This study proposes a simple, cost-effective analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector, which is suitable for the routine monitoring of some of the most important mycotoxins in feed: aflatoxins (G2, G1, B2, and B1), zearalenone, and ochratoxins A and B. Mycotoxin extraction, chromatographic separation and quantification are carried out simultaneously for all mycotoxins. The extraction procedure is performed using acetonitrile, water and orthophosphoric acid (80:19:1). Purification of the extract is carried out using an OASIS PRIME HLB solid-phase extraction cartridge followed by a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure. Aflatoxins G1 and B1 are derivatized post-column (photochemical reactor at 254 nm) to increase their signal. The method has been validated in feed for pigs, cows, sheep, and poultry with very satisfactory results. The detection limits are 2 μg/kg for aflatoxins B1 and G1, 0.64 μg/kg for aflatoxins B2 and G2, 42 μg/kg for zearalenone, and 5 μg/kg for ochratoxins A and B. These values are low enough to allow for monitoring of these mycotoxins in feed. Global recovery values were between 73.6% and 88.0% for all toxins with a relative standard deviation (RSD) % < 7%. This methodology will facilitate laboratory control and analysis of mycotoxins in feed.

Food Waste and Food Safety Linkagesalong the Supply Chain

SummaryFood safety, whether actual or perceived, is one of the major reasons for food waste along the agri‐food supply chain. Food safety hazards at farm level such as mycotoxin contamination of feed, overuse of antimicrobials in livestock disease control, and zoonotic disease incursion may lead to food unfit for human consumption and thus waste. Given the importance of safety as one of the most important attributes of food, the appropriate management of risks along the supply chain can contribute to reductions in food loss and waste. However, a better coordination between food waste and safety policies is also needed, which requires: balancing the scientific evidence and the precautionary principle; reviewing current food safety regulations to identify areas potentially leading to avoidable waste; combining the monitoring of safety hazards and waste along the agri‐food chain; provision of tailored information on linkages between food safety and waste; and investment in technologies to accurately assess the edibility of food. Attention needs to be paid to policies and practices on food labelling and packaging to ensure that they do not lead to unintended or unnecessary impacts on food safety and waste, which are not justified by scientific evidence.

Proteomics analysis of serum protein patterns in duck during aflatoxin B1 exposure.

Background and Aim:Unlike the already well-documented human serum proteome, there are still limitations regarding analyzing and interpreting the various physiological changes and disease states of the serum proteomes found in duck. Serum proteome in duck under the condition of mycotoxin contamination in feed has not yet been examined. This study aimed to introduce the characterization of the circulating proteomes in duck serum during exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1).Materials and Methods:Duck serum samples were collected from four experimental groups, gel-based mass spectrometry was then applied, and finally, 445 proteins were identified in pulled serum sample.Results:Among these 445 proteins, 377 were present in at least one group from all. There were 35 proteins which were expressed when the duck was exposed to AFB1. The protein library that allows the identification of a large number of different proteins in duck serum will be enhanced by the addition of these peptide spectral data. It is noteworthy that chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) [Gallus gallus] was up-regulated in the group with the highest AFB1 contamination.Conclusion:CHD7 protein might be somehow relative to aflatoxicosis in the duck that causes poor performance and economic loss. Moreover, other proteins present in duck serum were also added in the protein library.

Global Mycotoxin Occurrence in Feed: A Ten-Year Survey

Mycotoxins contaminating animal feed can exert toxic effects in animals and be transferred into animal products. Therefore, mycotoxin occurrence in feed should be monitored. To this end, we performed a large-scale global survey of mycotoxin contamination in feed and assessed regional differences and year-to-year variation of mycotoxin occurrence. Concentrations of aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, and T-2 toxin were analyzed in 74,821 samples of feed and feed raw materials (e.g., maize, wheat, soybean) collected from 100 countries from 2008 to 2017. In total, 88% of the samples were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin. Mycotoxin occurrence showed distinct regional trends and climate was a key determinant governing these trends. In most regions, the majority of samples complied with maximum levels and guidance values for mycotoxins in animal feed that are in effect in the European Union. However, 41.1%, 38.5%, and 20.9% of samples from South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, respectively, exceeded the maximum level for aflatoxin B1 (20 µg/kg). In several regions, mycotoxin concentrations in maize showed a pronounced year-to-year variation that could be explained by rainfall or temperature during sensitive periods of grain development. A large fraction of samples (64%) was co-contaminated with ≥ 2 mycotoxins. Most frequently observed mycotoxin mixtures were combinations of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and fumonisins, as well as fumonisins and aflatoxin B1. Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone concentrations were correlated in maize and wheat. In conclusion, according to an extensive global survey, mycotoxin (co-)contamination of animal feed is common, shows regional trends, and is governed in part by climate and weather.

Prevalence of mycotoxins in feed and feed ingredients between 2015 and 2017 in Taiwan.

Contamination of feed by mycotoxins is a global epidemic that has a sizeable impact on animal health and causes economic losses. Mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisins (FUMs), deoxynivalenol (DON), and ochratoxin A (OTA), lead to acute and chronic adverse effects in pigs. Animal feed and feed ingredients are commonly contaminated by one or more mycotoxins worldwide; however, the prevalence of mycotoxin contamination in feed and feed ingredients in Taiwan remains unclear. A total of 820 cornmeal and corn-based swine feed (pregnancy and nursery diets) samples provided by feed and animal producers were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method between January 2015 and December 2017 to determine the presence of mycotoxins. The results revealed that the most prevalent mycotoxin in Taiwan was DON, with 91.4% of positive samples between 2015 and 2017, followed by ZEN, AFs, and FUMs, with 70.2%, 58.0%, and 50.4% of positive samples, respectively. A similar prevalence of mycotoxins was observed in cornmeal and corn-based swine feed. Furthermore, 7.7% of the analyzed feed samples contained one mycotoxin, and 91.3% contained multiple mycotoxins. DON was the most prevalent mycotoxin in cornmeal and corn-based swine feed in Taiwan. Moreover, a high incidence of contamination by multiple mycotoxins was observed in swine feed. Awareness of mycotoxin presence in feed and development of mycotoxin detoxification strategies are unmet needs.

Multi-mycotoxin screening of feed and feed raw materials from Africa

As animal feed is prone to infestation with mycotoxin-producing fungi, mycotoxin contamination of feed should be monitored. Here, we report a multi-mycotoxin survey of feed samples from Africa. We determined the concentrations of aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, zearalenone and ochratoxin A in 1,045 samples of finished feed and feed raw materials (maize, maize silage, other cereals, etc.) from South Africa and 318 samples from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Madagascar. We compared the measured mycotoxin concentrations to regulatory limits or guidance values that are in effect in the European Union and analysed the co-occurrence of these mycotoxins. To determine the occurrence of other fungal secondary metabolites, a subset of the samples was analysed using a multi-analyte liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based method for the simultaneous detection of over 700 fungal metabolites. We found that 33.3% of maize samples and 54.4% of finished feed samples from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania exceeded the European regulatory limit of 20 ng/g aflatoxins. TheFusarium mycotoxins zearalenone, fumonisins and deoxynivalenol were prevalent in all commodities from all countries, but concentrations were in most cases below European guidance values. Concentrations of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone were correlated. Several otherFusarium metabolites occurred frequently (e.g. moniliformin, beauvericin, aurofusarin) or in high concentrations (e.g. aurofusarin, fusaproliferin). Furthermore, high levels of diplodiatoxin were occasionally detected in samples from South Africa and theAlternaria metabolite tenuazonic acid was prevalent and reached high concentrations. In conclusion, aflatoxins frequently occurred in African feed samples in potentially unsafe concentrations. WhileFusarium mycotoxins mostly occurred in concentrations below European guidance values, a correlation between deoxynivalenol and zearalenone concentrations suggests that toxicological interactions of these compounds deserve attention. Several less investigated fungal secondary metabolites occurred frequently or reached high concentrations.

Management of mycotoxin contamination in feeds.

Abstract It is not possible to avoid, predict or prevent mycotoxin occurrence during pre-harvest and feed storage. Despite efforts to control fungal contamination, extensive mycotoxin contamination has been reported to occur in feed. Therefore, their presence represents a constant health risk for animals. The European Union (EU) has established the most comprehensive regulations for mycotoxins in feed, expressed in the form of sampling procedures, analysis and maximum or guidance levels. These regulations largely affect raw material traders, feed industry and feed management at farm level, to ensure compliance with EU legislation requirements and ensure feed safety. This paper reviews the main operations and effective tools to properly manage the mycotoxin risk in the feed supply chain, focusing on the management practices to be considered at the level of feed industry and farm. Practical approaches will be discussed in the context of the current scientific research literature. Risks associated with mycotoxin contaminated feed can be reduced by following an integrated mycotoxin prevention and control management. To properly manage mycotoxin contamination in feed, the primary strategy is prevention in field and during storage. Regular feed monitoring for mycotoxin occurrence is the first critical point in order to obtain a right balance between safety, animal health, productivity and economic aspects in the respect of legislation regarding maximum or guidance levels. Despite strenuous prevention, control and management efforts, feed contamination with mycotoxins is an ever present problem for feed processors and farmers. Therefore, there is a great demand for mycotoxin mitigation and control strategies.

Multi-mycotoxin analysis of animal feed and animal-derived food using LC-MS/MS system with timed and highly selective reaction monitoring.

Mycotoxins have the potential to enter the human food chain through carry-over of contaminants from feed into animal-derived products. The objective of the study was to develop a reliable and sensitive method for the analysis of 30 mycotoxins in animal feed and animal-derived food (meat, edible animal tissues, and milk) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In the study, three extraction procedures, as well as various cleanup procedures, were evaluated to select the most suitable sample preparation procedure for different sample matrices. In addition, timed and highly selective reaction monitoring on LC-MS/MS was used to filter out isobaric matrix interferences. The performance characteristics (linearity, sensitivity, recovery, precision, and specificity) of the method were determined according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and 401/2006/EC. The established method was successfully applied to screening of mycotoxins in animal feed and animal-derived food. The results indicated that mycotoxin contamination in feed directly influenced the presence of mycotoxin in animal-derived food. Graphical abstract Multi-mycotoxin analysis of animal feed and animal-derived food using LC-MS/MS.

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol predisposes for the development of Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.

Both mycotoxin contamination of feed and Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis have an increasing global economic impact on poultry production. Especially the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common feed contaminant. This study aimed at examining the predisposing effect of DON on the development of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. An experimental Clostridium perfringens infection study revealed that DON, at a contamination level of 3,000 to 4,000 µg/kg feed, increased the percentage of birds with subclinical necrotic enteritis from 20±2.6% to 47±3.0% (P<0.001). DON significantly reduced the transepithelial electrical resistance in duodenal segments (P<0.001) and decreased duodenal villus height (P = 0.014) indicating intestinal barrier disruption and intestinal epithelial damage, respectively. This may lead to an increased permeability of the intestinal epithelium and decreased absorption of dietary proteins. Protein analysis of duodenal content indeed showed that DON contamination resulted in a significant increase in total protein concentration (P = 0.023). Furthermore, DON had no effect on in vitro growth, alpha toxin production and netB toxin transcription of Clostridium perfringens. In conclusion, feed contamination with DON at concentrations below the European maximum guidance level of 5,000 µg/kg feed, is a predisposing factor for the development of necrotic enteritis in broilers. These results are associated with a negative effect of DON on the intestinal barrier function and increased intestinal protein availability, which may stimulate growth and toxin production of Clostridium perfringens.

Breeding for resistance to head blight caused by Fusarium spp. in wheat.

Abstract Fusarium diseases of cereals, particularly wheat, are a persistent threat to food and feed safety and security. Apart from yield losses, the contamination of the crop with Fusarium mycotoxins is of great concern. Among other measures, the deployment of Fusarium -resistant cultivars plays a key role in integrated Fusarium control and the reduction of mycotoxin contamination in feed and food. In this review, genetic diversity for Fusarium resistance in wheat and its close relatives, evaluation methods for assessing quantitative resistance and tools for breeding Fusarium -resistant cultivars are presented and critically discussed.

Global occurrence of mycotoxins in the food and feed chain: facts and figures

Mycotoxins are ubiquitously present in agricultural commodities, such as cereals and oil seeds. If ingested in sufficiently high concentrations, they exert severe toxic effects in humans and animals. In 2004, a survey programme was launched to assess the extent of mycotoxin contamination in feed and feed raw materials. Since then, over 19,000 samples have been analysed and more than 70,000 individual analyses have been conducted. While it is difficult to infer any long-term trends on a global level, the data confirm that high mycotoxin contamination is often linked to unusual weather. Overall, 72% of the samples contained detectable amounts of aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone or ochratoxin A. Co-contamination with two or more mycotoxins was detected in 38% of the samples. In most cases the concentrations were low enough to ensure compliance with EU guidance values or maximum levels. However, co-contaminated samples with concentrations below guidance and maximum values might still exert adverse effects due to synergistic interactions of the mycotoxins. Emerging mycotoxins and masked mycotoxins may also contribute to the overall toxicity of the feed and their presence is frequently detected with multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS. Since by-product feeds, such as distillers dried grain with solubles, often concentrate the mycotoxins of the original substrate, they contribute excessively to the overall contamination of feed rations and therefore need special attention. Regarding food the situation is quite similar: low level contamination is frequently observed in official controls but maximum levels are rarely exceeded in developed countries. As it is very difficult to remove mycotoxins from contaminated commodities, preventing them from accumulation in agricultural commodities is the most effective strategy to combat the problem. Preventive measures range from crop rotation and resistance breeding to inoculation with microbial antagonists. Nevertheless, excessive mycotoxin levels may occur despite all preventive measures. Therefore, continuous monitoring is essential and efficient detoxification strategies are needed to deal with such outbreaks.

A novel mycotoxin purification system using magnetic nanoparticles for the recovery of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone from feed

In this study, we developed a novel tool for purifying two mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN), in feed. This system utilized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against AFB1 and ZEN, and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Among ten MNPs with different diameters and functional groups, a 100-nm diameter MNP (fMA) conjugated to an amine group (-NH2) was found to be optimum for coupling with mAbs. The optimal mAb concentrations for coupling to the fMA along with mycotoxin purification capacities of the fMA-mAb conjugates (fMA-AFB1 and fMA-ZEN) were determined. A comparison of mean recovery rates (from corn and product X feed) between the fMA-mAb conjugates and immunoaffinity columns (IAC-AFB1 and IAC-ZEN) showed that the rate for fMA-AFB1 (90~92% and 81~88%) was higher (p > 0.05) than that of IAC-AFB1 (81~84% and 72~78%) for AFB1 (5, 10, 15 ng/mL), and the rate for fMA-ZEN (99~100% and 92~94%) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of IAC-ZEN (86~88% and 81~88%) for ZEN (10, 25, 50 ng/mL) except at a concentration of 10 ng/mL, demonstrating the remarkable purification efficiency of the novel fMA-mAb method. Additionally, mycotoxin purification was much faster using our novel method (approx. 5 min) than the IAC-based technique (> 30 min). This study suggests that the novel purification system we developed would be a useful tool for monitoring and regulating mycotoxin contamination in feed, and replace IAC methods.

Analysis of Canadian and Irish forage, oats and commercially available equine concentrate feed for pathogenic fungi and mycotoxins

Respiratory infections, recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) are major causes of poor performance in horses. Fungi and mycotoxins are now recognised as a major cause of these conditions. The most notable fungi are Aspergillus and Fusarium. Fungal spores can originate from forage, bedding and feed and, in turn, these fungal spores can produce a series of mycotoxins as secondary metabolites.This study set out to ascertain the degree of fungal and mycotoxin contamination in feed and fodder used in Irish racing yards over a one-year period. Weather conditions in forage producing areas were sampled by Met Eireann and the Canadian Meteorological Service.Fifty per cent of Irish hay, 37% of haylage and 13% of Canadian hay contained pathogenic fungi. Of the mycotoxins, T2 and zearalenone were most prominent. Twenty-one per cent of Irish hay and 16% of pelleted feed contained zearalenone. Forty per cent of oats and 54% of pelleted feed contained T2 toxins.