Key takeaways from the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis

Mycotoxin contamination in imported grains continues to be a critical challenge for animal feed producers in Asia. As feed production in the region grows, so does its reliance on imported raw materials from major grain-exporting regions such as Europe, North America and Latin America.

The Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis sheds light on mycotoxin risks, offering valuable insights for both ruminant and monogastric nutrition.

Understanding mycotoxin risks in imported grains

Dr. Ghazanfar Naseer, Alltech Asia regional technical manager for ruminants and mycotoxins, emphasizes that mycotoxin contamination poses a serious threat to animal health and productivity.

“Mycotoxins are invisible, but their impact is not,” he warns. “For ruminants like dairy and beef cattle, these toxins can lead to lower milk production, reduced growth rates and long-term health issues.”

Similarly, Gustavo Sa Ribeiro, Alltech Asia regional technical manager for monogastric, highlights how mycotoxins can significantly affect swine and poultry production.

“As we learn more about mycotoxins, we see the damaging effects on animal performance and feed efficiency. Understanding their presence in imported raw materials is essential for making informed decisions.”

Regional mycotoxin profiles: Key findings

Europe

• Mycotoxin risk varies significantly between Northern and Southern Europe.
• Northern Europe: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the primary concern, impacting dairy cows with reduced milk yield and higher somatic cell counts.
• Southern Europe: Aflatoxin contamination is prevalent in corn, posing liver health risks and reducing productivity.

United States

• Pre-harvest rains led to Fusarium-related mycotoxin challenges, with DON, zearalenone, and fumonisins being the most prominent.
• 85% of U.S. corn samples tested were contaminated with fumonisins, which can cause feed refusal and immune suppression in cattle.
• Post-harvest drought resulted in damaged kernels and foreign matter, increasing storage and transportation risks.

Canada

• Fusarium toxins were dominant in wheat and barley samples.
• Although the risk was lower than in the previous harvest, individual samples contained elevated mycotoxin levels, stressing the need for routine testing.

Brazil

• Aflatoxin, DON, fumonisins and zearalenone continue to be the primary concerns.
• 75% of Brazilian corn samples tested positive for fumonisins, with some reaching 22,800 ppb, a dangerously high level for ruminants.
• High Fusarium toxin concentrations pose severe risks, particularly for swine.

Implications for ruminant and monogastric species

Ruminant:

• Corn byproducts from North America and Europe have an average risk equivalent quantity (REQ) of 392 for dairy cows, indicating a high risk level.
• This could result in a 5% drop in milk production and a 7% increase in somatic cell counts, impacting milk quality and profitability.
• Fumonisins in Brazilian and U.S. corn can impair feed efficiency and overall herd health.

Monogastric:

• U.S. corn samples contained an average of 7.8 mycotoxins per sample, with 100% of tested samples showing contamination from multiple toxins.
• Type B trichothecenes, fumonisins and zearalenone are the most concerning mycotoxins for swine and poultry.
• Negative effects on average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) highlight the importance of proactive risk management.

Managing mycotoxin risks in imported feed ingredients

To safeguard animal performance and business profitability, Alltech recommends implementing a holistic mycotoxin management strategy, including:

• Routine mycotoxin testing, using tools like Alltech 37+® and Alltech® RAPIREAD™, to detect contamination levels before feed formulation
• Quality control measures for raw material procurement, to reduce inclusion of high-risk ingredients
• Nutrition strategies tailored to minimize mycotoxin exposure effects on animal health and productivity

Download the full report

The Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis report provides in-depth insights into mycotoxin contamination trends and their impact on livestock and feed production in the Asia-Pacific region.

Get your copy today at alltech.com/asia-import-risk-analysis to make informed decisions for your business and optimize animal health and performance. Visit knowmycotoxins.com for further resources and expert guidance.

About the author:

Tien Le earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. She started her career at Alltech in 2016 as part of the Corporate Career Development Program, spending time in both the U.S. and Ireland before taking a role in Vietnam, her home country. Tien presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture.