MYCOTOXIN SOLUTIONS - MIKO

Alltech developed a new global project to help control mycotoxins through a combination of mycotoxin management programs and technologies.

Research from Alltech`s 37+ program shows that:
- Over 95% of global grains, forages and feed samples are contaminated with mycotoxins.
- Over 75% of samples presented more than 3 toxins.
- The most predominant mycotoxins found were not the ones the industry has been targeting

Increased demand on animal performance and productivity inevitably brings new challenges and risks to modern animal production. Toxic contaminants produced by moulds, known as mycotoxins, are a challenge for producers and a risk to their animals. Based on the increasing amounts of research, it is becoming clear that mycotoxins represent an unavoidable risk.

With that in mind, Alltech developed a new global project to help control mycotoxins through a combination of mycotoxin management programs and technologies. As part of this practical and solutions-oriented approach to effectively manage mycotoxins, the global Mycotoxin Management Team from Alltech will not only assist in managing mycotoxins throughout the feed chain, but also in detecting and addressing the risks caused by more than 37 types of mycotoxins.

"It is now more important than ever to have a documented mycotoxin control program in place as the price of feed rises, the use of alternative raw ingredients increases and the need for improved feed efficiency is paramount," said Dr. Swamy Haladi, global technical manager, Mycotoxin Management Team. "We know mycotoxins are going to be more prevalent in certain processed raw materials and also that mycotoxins can negatively affect health and feed efficiency, ultimately impacting profitability. The potential threat of mycotoxin residues to human health should also be factored in."

One of the key elements of the project is Alltech`s 37+ Program.
"The successful addition of the LC-MS2 analytical technique to Alltech`s core competencies allowed the development of analytical methods for investigating more than 30 different mycotoxins quantitatively, and more than 50 others qualitatively in less than 15 minutes per sample analysed, with limits of detection in the ppt (parts per trillion) range. Patterns of contamination are now investigated in feed matrices to better capture mycotoxin profiles and the associated risks for the animal consuming contaminated feed material." Dr. Alexandros Yiannikouris, global analytical research director, Mycotoxin Management Team.

To assist feed mills and producers, Alltech recently launched its Mycotoxin Hazard Analysis program, MIKO. Based on the principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), the MIKO program is designed to identify the mycotoxin risks within a given farm or feed mill and create a plan to minimize the risks for the animal and consequently, for consumers.

MIKO
Dealing with Mycotoxin Contamination. To assist feed mills and producers, Alltech has recently launched its MIKO (Mycotoxin Hazard Analysis) program. Based on HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), the program is designed to identify the mycotoxin risks within a given farm or feed mill and create a plan to minimize the risks for the animal.

"It is now more important than ever to have a documented mycotoxin control program in place as the price of feed increases, the use of alternative raw ingredients increases and the need for improved feed efficiency is paramount. We know mycotoxins are going to be more prevalent in certain processed raw materials and also that mycotoxins can negatively affect health and feed efficiency, ultimately impacting profitability. The potential threat of mycotoxin residues to human health should also be factored in," said Dr. Swamy Haladi, Global Technical Manager, Mycotoxin Management Team, Alltech Inc.

"The goal of the MIKO program is to understand the level of mycotoxin challenges in the supply chain so that the right steps can be taken to try and mitigate their negative effects on animal performance and food safety. This involves establishing the correct monitoring procedures as well as identifying critical levels for the given animal species being fed. With this information, the right balance can be struck between economical feeding and optimal animal performance as it relates to mycotoxins"; Nick Adams, Global Sales Director, Mycotoxin Management Team, Alltech Inc.