Mycotoxins in Monogastrics: The Invisible Enemy for Continued Livestock Production

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by fungi that contaminate feedstuffs and feed, posing an important threat to livestock production. About 55% of raw materials for livestock in South America are indicated to be contaminated with mycotoxins.

The toxicity and adverse effects of mycotoxins also vary based on many factors, such as route of administration, time and amount of exposure, dose consumed, and immune status. In general, younger animals are more sensitive to mycotoxins than older animals (Magnoli et al., 2019).

Over the years, several papers have been published on mycotoxin challenges, as described in the following table (Table 1).

Some fundamental strategies are needed to minimize the impact of mycotoxins, such as improved farming practices and good storage to avoid mold proliferation, continuous monitoring of raw materials and feed to detect the presence of mycotoxins, and the use of feed additives toxin binders to make mycotoxins unavailable and/or inactivate them along the digestive tract and avoid their negative effects.

One of the additives available on the market is yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell wall extract, which is rich in insoluble functional carbohydrates, β-glucans, and MOS, which have a high affinity for mycotoxins. β-glucans bind to mycotoxins through van der Waals and hydrogen bonds, thereby limiting their ability to reach the systemic circulation and reducing their toxic effects.

In addition to direct binding, β-glucans may affect mycotoxin biotransformation by modulating the activity of liver enzymes important for detoxification. These enzymes, such as cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase, and glycosyltransferase, play an important role in converting mycotoxins into less toxic and more water-soluble metabolites, making them easier to excrete from the body.

ICC Brazil and BEC have a sustainable nutritional solution to the mycotoxin problem with the use of Starfix. The advantage lies in the yeast, which is a secondary fermentation yeast, with mature cells that have a high concentration of b-glucan due to the fermentation process (low pH, high temperature, and ethanol concentration). This makes it more difficult to digest and functional in mycotoxin absorption. By using Starfix, producers can ensure better safety and performance for their livestock, thereby reducing economic losses and increasing production profitability.