Mycotoxin survey in feed 2017-Taiwan

In the first half of 2017, Life Rainbow mycotoxin analysis lab randomly collected 237 feed samples from feed mills of large and medium size in Taiwan. By using the ELISA Mycotoxin analysis kit (Romer Labs®), the level of mycotoxins including Aflatoxins, Zearalenone, Fumonisins and DON were analyzed.

Results

Out of total 237 samples, 76% of feed were contaminated with Zearalenone; 97% of feed were contaminated with DON (table 1). All the maximum concentrations of mycotoxin were over the limit of quantification in this survey. The risk threshold of Aflatoxins is 50 ppb in animal feed according to Taiwan regulatory standards.

The data were conducted on corn meal, nursery, and pregnant diet to reveal the prevalence of mycotoxins, in which, corn is the most common feed in Taiwan. DON was found to contaminate 96% of 50 corn meal samples, followed by Zearalenone (54%) (table 2).

DON was detected in 100% of 38 nursery diet samples, followed by Zearalenone, detected in 82% (table 3). Furthermore, DON was presented in 97% and Zearalenone in 81% of 58 pregnant diet samples (table 4).

From this survey results, all given samples contained two or more mycotoxins. Co-contamination of mycotoxin has synergistic complications on growth, immune system, and farrowing performance.

Conclusion:

Mycotoxin remains to be a significant issue in feed supply chain. A high incidence of single and multiple types of mycotoxin contamination is observed in feed. While the risk is unpredictable, only a comparatively small amount of feed is sampled and tested in the lab. Moreover, the mycotoxin pollution is expected to become worse in the coming years, due to the extreme weather condition. All in all, it is essential for the feed producer to stay alert and take action in controlling mycotoxin risk.