Most grains used in feed are susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, causing severe economic losses all along feed value chains. As skyrocketing raw material prices force producers to include a higher proportion of economical cereal byproducts in the feed, the risks of mycotoxin contamination likely increase. In this article, we review why mycotoxins cause the damage they do – and how effective toxin-mitigating solutions prevent this damage.

Mycotoxin contamination of cereal byproducts requires solutions
Cereal byproducts may become more important feed ingredients as grain prices increase. But also from a sustainability point of view and considering population growth, using cereal byproducts in animal feed makes a lot of sense. Dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) are a good example of how byproducts from food processing industries can become high-quality animal feed.

Figure 1: Byproducts are a crucial protein source (data from FEFAC Feed & Food 2021 report)
Still, research on what happens to mycotoxins during food processing shows that mycotoxins are concentrated into fractions that are commonly used as animal feed
(cf. Pinotti et al., 2016.) To safeguard animal health and performance when feeding lower-quality cereals, it is essential to monitor mycotoxin risks through regular testing and to use toxin-mitigating solutions.

Problematic effects of mycotoxins on the intestinal epithelium
Most mycotoxins are absorbed in the proximal part of the gastrointestinal tract. This absorption can be high, as in the case of aflatoxins (ca. 90%), but also very limited, as in the case of fumonisins (< 1%); moreover, it depends on the species. Importantly, a significant portion of unabsorbed toxins remains within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.

Importantly, studies based on realistic mycotoxin challenges (e.g., Burel et al., 2013) show that the mycotoxin levels necessary to trigger damaging processes are lower than the levels reported as safe by EFSA, the Food Safety Agency of the European Union. The ultimate consequences range from diminished nutrient absorption to inflammatory responses and pathogenic disorders in the animal (Figure 2).

1. Alteration of the intestinal barrier ‘s morphology and functionality
Several studies indicate that mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1, DON, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin A, and T2, can increase the permeability of the intestinal epithelium of poultry and swine (e.g. Pinton & Oswald, 2014). This is mostly a consequence of the inhibition of protein synthesis.

As a result, there is an increase in the passage of antigens into the bloodstream (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and toxins). This increases the animal’s susceptibility to infectious enteric diseases. Moreover, the damage that mycotoxins cause to the intestinal barrier entails that they are also being absorbed at a higher rate.

2. Impaired immune function in the intestine
The intestine is a very active immune site, where several immuno-regulatory mechanisms simultaneously defend the body from harmful agents. Immune cells are affected by mycotoxins through the initiation of apoptosis, the inhibition or stimulation of cytokines, and the induction of oxidative stress.

For poultry production, one of the most severe enteric problems of bacterial origin is necrotic enteritis, which is caused by Clostridium perfringens toxins. Any agent capable of disrupting the gastrointestinal epithelium – e.g. mycotoxins such as DON, T2, and ochratoxin – promotes the development of necrotic enteritis.

3. Alteration of the intestinal microflora
Recent studies on the effect of various mycotoxins on the intestinal microbiota show that DON and other trichothecenes favor the colonization of coliform bacteria in pigs. DON and ochratoxin A also induce a greater invasion of Salmonella and their translocation to the bloodstream and vital organs in birds and pigs – even at non-cytotoxic concentrations.

It is known that fumonisin B1 may induce changes in the balance of sphingolipids at the cellular level, including for gastrointestinal cells. This facilitates the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, increases in their populations, and prolongs infections, as has been shown for the case of E. coli. The colonization of the intestine of food-producing animals by pathogenic strains of E. coli and Salmonella also poses a risk for human health.

4. Interaction with bacterial toxins
When mycotoxins induce changes in the intestinal microbiota, this can lead to an increase in the endotoxin concentration in the intestinal lumen. Endotoxins promote the release of several cytokines that induce an enhanced immune response, causing inflammation, thus reducing feed consumption and animal performance, damage to vital organs, sepsis, and death of the animals in some cases.

The synergy between mycotoxins and endotoxins can result in an overstimulation of the immune system. The interaction between endotoxins and estrogenic agents such as zearalenone, for example, generates chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders because immune cells have estrogen receptors, which are stimulated by the mycotoxin.

Increased mycotoxin risks through byproducts? Invest in mitigation solutions.
To prevent the detrimental consequences of mycotoxins on animal health and performance, proactive solutions are needed that support the intestinal epithelium’s digestive and immune functionality and help maintain a balanced microbiome in the GIT. As the current market conditions will likely engender a long-term shift towards the inclusion of more cereal byproducts in animal diets, this becomes even more important.

Trial data shows that EW Nutrition’s toxin-mitigating solution SOLIS MAX provides effective protection against feedborne mycotoxins. The synergistic combination of ingredients in SOLIS MAX mycotoxins from damaging the animals’ gastrointestinal tract and entering the blood stream:

In-vitro study shows SOLIS MAX’ strong mitigation effects against wide range of mycotoxins
Animal feed is often contaminated with two or more mycotoxins, making it important for an anti-mycotoxin agent to be effective against a wide range of different mycotoxins. A dose response evaluation of SOLIS MAX was conducted a at an independent laboratory in Spain, for inclusion levels of 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20% (equivalent to 1 kg, 1.5 kb, and 2 kg per ton of feed). A phosphate buffer solution at pH 7 was prepared to simulate intestinal conditions in which a portion of the mycotoxins may be released from the binder (desorption).

Each mycotoxin was tested separately by adding a challenge to buffer solutions, incubating for one hour at 41°C, to establish the base line (see table). At the same time a solution with the toxin challenge and SOLIS MAX was prepared, incubated, and analyzed for the residual mycotoxin. All analyses were carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with standard detectors.

The results demonstrate that SOLIS MAX is a very effective solution against the most common mycotoxins found in raw materials and animal feed, showing clear dose-response effects.

Mycotoxin risk management for better animal feed
A healthy gastrointestinal tract is crucial to animals’ overall health: it ensures that nutrients are optimally absorbed, it provides effective protection against pathogens through its immune function, and it is key to maintaining a well-balanced microflora. Even at levels considered safe by the European Union, mycotoxins can compromise different intestinal functions, resulting in lower productivity and susceptibility to disease.

The globalized feed trade, which spreads mycotoxins beyond their geographical origin, climate change and raw material market pressures only escalates the problem. On top of rigorous testing, producers should mitigate unavoidable mycotoxin exposures through the use of solutions such as SOLIS MAX – for stronger animal health, welfare, and productivity.

References are available on request.

With bright and cheerful expressions, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, Marisa Gerards,
was joined by De Heus International Director Rutger Oudejans, company CEO Koen De Heus,
as well as Mr. Tanveer Malik, Country Director India, and Mr. Parveen Kumar, ASM,
in a memorable Lamp Lighting Ceremony with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana, who have traditionally relied on cultivating traditional crops, are now seeking ways to diversify their agricultural practices. They aim to transition into horticulture, dairy farming, poultry, fishery, piggery, and other sectors to improve their earnings. De Heus, a top 10 global animal feed company based in the Netherlands, is offering hope to these farmers by investing in a state-of-the-art plant in Rajpura, Punjab, with an investment of Rs 142 crore. The plant will produce high-quality animal feed and promote best farming practices to boost farmers’ incomes.

During the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Rs 142 crore De Heus animal feed plant in Rajpura, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unveiled the commemorative plaque, with the company’s CEO, Koen De Heus, standing beside him.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the state’s attractiveness to global business tycoons, attributing it to the relentless efforts of the state government. He emphasized that diversifying agricultural practices was crucial for the region, and De Heus’s investment would play a significant role in supporting this transition.

This investment marks the first major commitment by a Dutch company in Punjab. The Netherlands is renowned as the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products. The De Heus plant will produce a full range of livestock products, including compound feed, concentrates, base mix, and dairy mineral mixes. In the first phase, set to be completed by the first quarter of 2025, the plant will produce 180 kilo metric tons (kMT) of animal feed, with potential for expansion to 240 kMT. The factory will feature two dedicated production lines.

On this occasion, approximately 2,000 people, including farmers from the poultry, dairy, and pig industries, graced the ceremony with their presence. De Heus displayed exceptional hospitality throughout the program.

Chief Minister Mann reaffirmed his promise to attract investments to the state and highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Punjabis, which has gained recognition worldwide. He stated that the state government had successfully attracted investments worth Rs 50,840 crore, including significant commitments from companies like Tata Steel, Jindal Steel, Virgio, Class, Tafe, Hindustan Liver, and others, creating employment opportunities for 2.25 lakh youth.

The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s transformation into an industrial-friendly environment with a genuine single-window system. He underlined that the state government had shifted from signing MoUs with families to engaging directly with the state and its people, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Chief Minister Mann expressed his belief that the De Heus plant would serve as a catalyst for supplementing farmers’ income. He highlighted the industrious and resilient nature of both Punjabis and the Dutch, expressing optimism about their collaboration and the economic growth it would generate.

The Chief Minister envisioned the industrialists associated with this project as brand ambassadors for Punjab, turning the state into a global industrial hub. He assured a conducive environment for businesses in the state, emphasizing the availability of excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources, and a favorable industrial and work culture.

De Heus India, a wholly owned subsidiary of De Heus, will be responsible for establishing the plant. De Heus is a century-old company with a global turnover of 7 billion euros in 2022. The company specializes in providing nutritional products for animals and aims to support farmers in achieving optimal animal health and performance for better earnings.

Koen De Heus, CEO of De Heus, emphasized the company’s commitment to bringing progress to farmers and local communities. He mentioned that India is an essential market for De Heus, where they aim to contribute to sustainable farming practices and job creation while working with local suppliers and partners.

Mr. Rutger Oudejans, Business Group Director (Premix & Specialties) and Mr. Tanveer Malik, Country Director India; General Director India; and Mr. Amit Mittan, Commercial Director of De Heus India, provided insights into the company’s mission to support farmers through high-quality animal feeds and extensive knowledge in animal nutrition, husbandry, and science.

The investment in Punjab aligns with De Heus’s global expansion strategy to build a local presence, serve farmers with top-notch animal feeds, and provide practical farming advice. The company operates more than 60 production locations in over 20 countries, exporting its products to more than 50 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Ms. Marisa Gerards, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration between the Netherlands and Punjab. She suggested organizing a significant cycling event in Punjab, given the Netherlands’ reputation as a cycling-friendly country. She also highlighted the existing Indo-Dutch Centres of Excellence in potato seeds and floriculture in Punjab, with another centre focused on onions under construction, as examples of successful cooperation between the two regions beyond agriculture.