Mycotoxins produce a wide range of adverse and toxic effects in animals which affects their overall health and productivity. This, in turn, has a substantial knock-on effect on farm economics. This special edition highlights the progression made by those within the livestock sector who focus on mitigating mycotoxins, with a particular focus on analysis and solutions.
The biennial World Mycotoxin Forum is also a fantastic opportunity for those engaged in the science and research of mycotoxins to share their progress in the fight against the impact of mycotoxins in livestock production. Celebrating it’s 10th edition this year, the focus is on ‘taking mycotoxin control to the next level’. But how can we, as an industry, do this?
Mycotoxins are problematic because of their heterogeneous distribution, which means that proper sampling of raw materials is a must. New technologies for screening are being developed to give a more precise overview of what is entering the food/feed chain. Regulating levels of mycotoxins in feed is one way of taking control, but this can be a complicated task, particularly in less developed countries.
Climate change is also a huge factor in the spread and volume of mycotoxins, but we all know there is nothing more difficult to control than the weather. Luckily, solutions are being developed which capitalise on the progress being made in R&D and technological advancements. Several of these are highlighted in this special edition.