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Alltech awarded four new EcoVadis sustainability medals, including two Platinum honors

Submitted by jnorrie on Tue, 04/08/2025 - 09:13

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] Alltech, a leading global animal nutrition company, has been awarded four new medals from EcoVadis, a globally recognized provider of business sustainability assessments. These medals are a testament to Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty® and the company’s commitment implementing environmentally and economically sustainable solutions, fostering ethical business conduct, and prioritizing the efficient production of nutritious food.

EcoVadis evaluates companies across 21 sustainability criteria within four core themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Its ratings are based on international sustainability standards, including the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the ISO 26000 guidelines. More than 130,000 companies have been rated by EcoVadis.

Two Alltech facilities earned Platinum Medals, placing them in the top 1% of the more than 200,000 businesses assessed by EcoVadis:

  • Alltech Coppens in the Netherlands, which develops and produces high-quality, innovative fish feed and nutritional solutions
  • Alltech’s Woolfox manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom

In addition, Alltech’s global operations and its manufacturing facility in Serdán, Mexico, earned EcoVadis Silver Medals, ranking them in the top 15% of businesses assessed.

“Three years ago, Alltech outlined a strategic vision for our ESG ambitions with a focus on proof points and team confidence. Over that time, we’ve expanded our policies, introduced new systems, conducted training and taken a lot of action,” said Tara McCarthy, Alltech’s global vice president of ESG. “It gives a great sense of achievement to the entire Alltech team to see that EcoVadis has recognized these efforts. Our ambition to build upon this proof remains strong, with five more assessments planned this year. Our commitment to embed best practice is unwavering as we carry out our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.”

The EcoVadis process validates Alltech’s sustainability performance and offers a clear roadmap for enhancing its impact.

Alltech continues to reach for ambitious ESG targets, find areas for improvement and innovation, and strive to nurture a culture of sustainability,” McCarthy said. “We have made great progress, but we know that there is always more work to be done.”

The company’s commitment to demonstrating its credentials in the global supply chain continues around the world as several additional locations prepare for EcoVadis assessments, including the Alltech European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Ireland, which submitted its assessment this week.

Each year, Alltech shares its progress in the Alltech Sustainability Report, which outlines actions taken to align the business with its commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the U.N. Ten Principles and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more by reading the most recent report at alltech.com/sustainability.

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

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Sow mortality: The hidden consequences

Submitted by tile on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 06:39

My first experience in pig farming was in Brazil. That is my bias. I needed to come to the U.S. to experience the impact of PRRS on a swine farm. I was horrified with how much damage a nasty strain can cause.

I have also observed many big-picture similarities between the U.S. and Brazilian pig industries, though. These include genetics, vaccines, antibiotics, disinfectants, corn-SBM diets, prolapses, how we value the breeding target, and many other performance metrics.

However, the difference between the countries in one key metric is quite shocking. This is sow mortality.

I am not fighting in Brazil’s corner, but using the 2024 data, the U.S. industry had 16% sow mortality, twice the Brazilian percentage. Can we attribute this solely to PRRS? A decent part, but we still see a ton of sows that die from “unknown/other” reasons. I am sure many of those deaths could be prevented.

A hard-to-control consequence of high sow mortality on-farm is the impact on herd parity structure, frequently showing up as a greater percentage of sows in both extremes of the sows’ parity graph. Besides the notorious negative impact on the herd and on growing pig immunity, the whole farm throughput is reduced. A recent analysis that compared three different parity structures, including over 623 herds, highlighted that farms that maximize the percentage of P3 to P5 sows are more productive. Figure 1 shows the three patterns of parity herd structure, sows within P3 and P5, and piglets weaned per sow per year.

A graph of a function

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Figure 1. Parity distribution of 3 different patterns and their respective percentage of sows within P3 and P5. Each dot represents a sow farm, and the blue line is the quadratic function of the parity structure pattern. Adapted from Sanz-Fernández et al., 2024.

 

Now let’s compare sow farms with high and low sow mortality in real-world numbers.

Imagine two 2,000-sow farms with an annual replacement rate of 45% (Figure 2). If Farm A has a 20% sow mortality rate, that means 400 sows per year die there. To keep the farm inventory, with the 900 gilts that enter every year, another 500 sows are culled. In a more favorable scenario, Farm B has an annual death loss of 10%, or 200 sows. That means that 700 other sows leave the farm as cull animals.

A diagram of a product being measured

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Figure 2. Comparison between two 2,000-sow farms with different sow mortality and cull sows per year.

 

In the grand scheme of things, that does not tell the whole story of the 10% difference in sow mortality effect. I like to look at the other side: the cull sows. Here is the “juice.”

That 200-sow-per-year difference on Farm A accounted for mortality, and Farm B for cull sows represents an extraordinary opportunity to improve the breeding herd quality. How? Well, on Farm B, voluntary culls — those that you actively select to be culled due to age, poor performance, or behavior issues — will walk into a truck and even bring revenue. On Farm A, those 200 are dead sows. Some are in gestation, some in lactation, but regardless, they will not walk into a truck or produce any further revenue. To make matters worse, most of the time, those 200 are not the least productive. In the above example, we can say that Farm B gets 10% better than Farm A every year.

If you tell a new hire that approximately 1/5 of the sows die or are euthanized every year, plus 1/5 of the born-alive piglets will not be weaned, how mentally prepared does this person need to be? So here is another hidden consequence: the emotional impact on the employees, who care about the herd but must spend many days per year euthanizing sows and/or moving dead sows to the compost area.

Walking into a farm and saying, “Our sow mortality is sky-high at 17%; we need to reduce that immediately,” might not resonate with the team. Instead, make it tangible. Does everyone know what 10% mortality means in the weekly losses of sows? On a 1,100-sow farm, that’s the difference between losing two sows per week or exceeding that threshold. Set a clear, achievable goal: If the team keeps weekly mortality at two or fewer sows per week, they earn their bonus for maintaining sow mortality under 10%. When expectations are clear and the plan executable, results follow. Identifying the $100 and the $1 jobs is the first step; executing the $100 ones is the second and, most of the time, the last.

Make this part of the farm’s culture, and you will save many preventable death losses and avoid suffering from the hidden and costly consequences of high sow mortality.


About the author:

Dr. Jamil Faccin is a pig technical and nutrition specialist at Alltech. In this role, he offers technical support to customers, including diet formulation and production consulting, while also collaborating with key account teams to deliver tailored solutions and align with customer expectations. He also works on portfolio development, innovation and thought leadership and participates in research, industry events and strategic initiatives to drive business and customer growth, as well as the company's market relevance.

A native of Brazil, Dr. Faccin holds a master's degree in science, a Ph.D. and a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and he gained experience as a postdoctoral researcher in applied pig nutrition at Kansas State University. His ongoing research — which includes his involvement with the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) — focuses on nursery management and nutrition, weaning age, soybean meal, feed additives and feed biosecurity.

Dr. Faccin and his wife, Paula, currently live in northeast Kansas, where they enjoy hiking, exploring new cultures and planning their next adventures. He is also passionate about playing soccer and volleyball with friends.


I want to learn more about nutrition for pig herd.

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Chelated minerals for better sow reproduction

Submitted by tile on Fri, 03/28/2025 - 06:26

Optimising nutrition is crucial for ensuring high reproductive performance and longevity in sows, as well as overall health and productivity. Among the essential components within the sows’ diet, trace minerals play a vital role in maintaining the health and reproductive efficiency of our breeding herd.

Alltech’s chelated minerals offer a superior solution to trace mineral nutrition by enhancing bioavailability, absorption and utilisation in the sow.

The importance of trace minerals in sow reproductive performance

Although they are only required in modest amounts, trace minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese and selenium are fundamental to sow nutrition, particularly in supporting fertility, farrowing house performance, and longevity within the herd (Figure 1). However, it’s not just mineral concentrations within the diet that require consideration — the actual source of these minerals is significantly important.

Traditionally, commercial sow diets have been formulated with inorganic sources of trace minerals, such as copper sulphate and sodium selenite, due to their relatively inexpensive cost. However, minerals from inorganic sources are extremely reactive in the premix, in the feed, and in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal, due to their poor stability. As a result, the uptake and utilisation of these minerals can be limited, resulting in suboptimal performance. Inclusion levels are also regularly over-formulated to ensure that the sows’ requirements are actually met, but this leads to high levels of mineral excretion and waste.

For this reason, there is increasing interest in alternative forms of trace minerals which are better absorbed, stored and utilised by the sow. Chelated trace minerals provide this effective alternative.

A pig with its body labeled

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Figure 1. The importance of trace minerals for sow reproductive performance and overall productivity

 

Modern animal production requires a modern approach to mineral supplementation

Alltech has proven that modern nutritional management can be achieved by supplementing chelated trace minerals in the form of Bioplex® minerals (including zinc, copper, iron and manganese) and Sel-Plex® organic selenium, which are scientifically and commercially proven to optimise sow nutrition. Because Bioplex and Sel-Plex are more stable and have enhanced bioavailability compared to inorganic mineral sources, pig producers can supplement their sows’ diets at significantly lower inclusion levels while still improving sow performance.  

Alltech’s approach to mineral management promotes several key benefits, some of which include:

  1. Improved sow performance: Bioplex and Sel-Plex have been shown to optimise reproductive performance, with more piglets born alive per litter. These mineral technologies also support milk quality, including higher mineral levels in the milk.
  2. Increased sow longevity: Bioplex and Sel-Plex contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. This protection is conducive to overall health and longevity as well as productivity.
  3. Enhanced mineral bioavailability and stability: Bioplex and Sel-Plex are designed with improved stability and bioavailability, ensuring that the minerals remain in a form that the sow can effectively absorb, store and utilize.
  4. Reduced mineral excretion: Through enhanced absorption and utilisation and lower inclusion rates, Bioplex and Sel-Plex help in reducing mineral excretion, thereby helping to reduce the environmental impact of intensive pig production.

 

A proven mineral solution for pig producers

European pig producers face increasing pressure to improve production efficiency while adhering to stricter environmental regulations. By incorporating Alltech’s trace mineral solutions into their nutritional programs, pig producers can unlock the full reproductive potential of their sows while supporting overall health and longevity, improved efficiency, and more profitable production.

For more information on how Alltech’s chelated trace minerals can optimise the performance of your sows, contact your local Alltech representative today.


About the author:

Dr. Hazel Rooney profile image

Dr. Hazel Rooney is the European pig specialist within Alltech’s Technology Group, where she leads the development and coordination of technical solutions for pigs across Ireland and Europe. She works closely with customers to enhance pig performance, address industry challenges, and develop tailored programs. In addition to her hands-on approach, she contributes to the industry through technical articles, presentations, and research-driven insights.

Dr. Rooney earned her Ph.D. in swine nutrition from University College Dublin and the Teagasc Pig Development Department in 2019. Her doctoral research focused on maternal feeding strategies during gestation and lactation to optimize annual sow output and to promote the growth and development of progeny from large litters. Before joining Alltech in 2020, she spent a year working as a post-doctoral researcher in the Teagasc Pig Development Department in Ireland.  


I want to learn more about nutrition for pig herd. 

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Key takeaways from the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis

Submitted by tile on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 01:15

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 profile image

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.

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Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis highlights key regional and animal-specific mycotoxin concerns

Submitted by jnorrie on Mon, 03/10/2025 - 10:46

[BANGKOK, Thailand] – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition, has released the results of the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis. Now in its 4th edition, this report provides Asian feed and livestock producers with the insights needed to optimize nutritional strategies in the coming months. It uses data from the Alltech 2024 Harvest Analysis programs carried out across Europe and North America.

“The 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis discloses significant diversity in crop quality and mycotoxin risk across the key grain-growing regions globally,” said Nick Adams, commercial director at Alltech. “Contrasting weather conditions in Europe are resulting in a distinct difference in mycotoxin profiles between grains harvested in Southern and Northern Europe. In the U.S., pre-harvest rains have created Fusarium challenges, with deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone and fumonisins presenting the greatest risk. These findings illustrate the importance of understanding the mycotoxin landscape when purchasing raw materials and taking a proactive approach to countering these quality challenges.”

Key themes identified from the 2024 harvest, by region:

Europe: There is a distinct difference in mycotoxin profiles between grains harvested in Southern and Northern Europe. Deoxynivalenol (DON) presents the greatest challenge in northern countries, while aflatoxin dominates in corn originating in southern regions.

U.S.: Rains pre-harvest created Fusarium challenges in the U.S., with DON, zearalenone and fumonisins presenting the greatest risk. The rains were followed by a very dry harvest, resulting in more damaged kernels and a greater percentage of foreign matter. This may present subsequent storage and shipping issues.

Canada: Fusarium toxins dominated in wheat and barley samples. Although generally, a lower risk was seen compared to the previous harvest, many individual samples contained elevated levels of mycotoxins, emphasizing the importance of routine raw material testing.

Brazil: Similar to the previous harvest, aflatoxin, DON, fumonisins and zearalenone were the primary mycotoxins of interest in Brazilian sampling programs. The average concentrations of some of the Fusarium toxins would pose high levels of risk for pigs in particular.

The report also contains risk assessments for individual species, such as broilers, grow-finish pigs and dairy cows.

For more information and to view the full results of the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis, visit Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis.

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Alltech has pledged support to The Food Business Charter as a supporting partner

Submitted by jnorrie on Thu, 03/06/2025 - 14:43

[LONDON, England] – Industry leaders gathered in London on March 6 to launch the Food Business Charter, a program created by Meat Business Women in collaboration with more than 30 leading agri-food businesses around the world with the ambitious goal to reach 40% female representation across the global food value chain by 2035. The Food Business Charter will provide information and practical support for organisations wanting to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for the women on their teams. Alltech has expressed its commitment to the new initiative by becoming a supporting partner.

The landmark initiative reflects a strategic commitment from senior leaders to address gender imbalance and the attraction and retention of talent into the global food industry.  The initiative follows a Meat Business Women industry roundtable last year that highlighted the urgent need for action, with women representing just 33.5% of the meat industry workforce, down from 36% in 2020.

"The Food Business Charter is a defining moment in our industry's journey toward gender equality and a major milestone for our 10th year of Meat Business Women. Working with senior leaders who understand the benefits of a gender-balanced workforce, we've created not just a vision, but a practical roadmap for change,” said Laura Ryan, global chair and founder of Meat Business Women. “This Charter, backed by major global and European food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice businesses, demonstrates our industry's collective determination to remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women at all levels.”

"We know that a diverse and inclusive workforce isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a business imperative,” said Orla McAleer, Alltech’s chief culture officer. “The Food Business Charter is a crucial step towards accelerating change in our industry, ensuring we attract and retain the best talent. By supporting this Charter, we are reaffirming our dedication to fostering a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive."

The Charter will be accompanied by an Action Planning Toolkit, designed in collaboration with Diversity & Inclusion experts, providing organisations with practical strategies to achieve the Charter's ambitions.

"This isn't about setting targets – it's about transforming our industry's future to ensure it remains profitable and sustainable,” Ryan said. "The Charter provides a framework for organisations to implement practical talent attraction and retention strategies, share best practices, and create lasting change. With the support of our industry partners, we're confident we can achieve sustainable change."

The launch event took place in a pivotal week, ahead of International Women's Day with key industry leaders officially signing the Charter and pledging their commitment to gender balance.

Meat Business Women is the United Nations’ recognised global professional network for women working across the meat industry. It was created to improve the sustainability of the meat sector and grow the pipeline of female talent in this male-dominated industry.

Alltech is a global leader that delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Its diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of animals and plants, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. Learn more at alltech.com.

For more information about Meat Business Women and how to sign The Food Business Charter, visit meatbusinesswomen.org/food-business/charter.

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Alltech has pledged support to The Food Business Charter as a supporting partner.

Alltech global experts to showcase innovative solutions and commitment to a sustainable future for agri-food at VIV Asia 2025

Submitted by jnorrie on Wed, 03/05/2025 - 11:10

[BANGKOK, Thailand] – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition, will participate in VIV Asia 2025, March 12–14 at IMPACT in Bangkok, Thailand. With a focus on promoting sustainable food production, Alltech will highlight innovative solutions that enhance profitability, animal health, and environmental sustainability across the agri-food value chain.

The global team of Alltech experts will be at Booth #3410, Hall 2. For producers, suppliers and industry professionals, the Alltech booth will offer a unique opportunity to interact directly with the company’s experts and explore the latest developments in the agri-food sector.

In line with its purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty®, Alltech will emphasize its commitment to sustainability through partnerships and innovations that address global food security, climate change and resource scarcity. At VIV Asia, attendees can expect to learn how Alltech’s solutions support a sustainable future for the agri-food industry.

Alltech’s programs at VIV Asia include:

  • Seminar: Transforming animal nutrition: Evolving technologies to shape a sustainable and profitable future
    • When: March 12, 14:00–15:45
    • Venue: Jupiter 5, G Floor IMPACT
       
  • Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis: This valuable report highlights key regional and animal-specific mycotoxin concerns in imported raw materials for animal feed.
     
  • Introducing Agolin®: This cutting-edge, eco-friendly solution is designed to promote animal productivity while supporting sustainability goals. Agolin will be featured at the Alltech booth and discussed in-depth during the event.
     
  • World Without Cows screening: Filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth have spent the past three years exploring a fascinating question: Are we better off in a world without cows? The thought-provoking documentary World Without Cows delves into the cultural, societal and environmental significance of cows, examining their vital role in nourishing the world and combating climate change.
    • When: March 12, 17:30–21:00
    • Venue: Summer House, Nai Lert Park 4 Soi Somkid Ploechit Road, Bangkok
       
  • Alltech Happy Hour: Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshing drinks at the Alltech booth.
    • When: March 12 and 13, 15:00–16:00

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

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Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis highlights rising mycotoxin risks and strategies for proactive management

Submitted by jnorrie on Thu, 02/27/2025 - 09:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech, a global leader in biotechnology, has released the complete Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis report. The comprehensive final report shows that a combination of heavy early-season rains and late-season droughts has created distinct challenges for crop producers in the United States and indicates that overall risk is moderate to high.

“The trend for corn grain and corn silage is somewhat higher across all regions of the U.S. than it was for 2023,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, global technical support for the Technology Group at Alltech. “This increase in risk is due to the occurrence and levels of type B trichothecenes primarily, but zearalenone and fumonisins are also included in the increase, particularly in the Eastern U.S. The result is an increased pressure on animal health and performance that producers will need to monitor moving forward to maintain a proactive mycotoxin management program.” 

The final mycotoxin risk will ultimately depend on the animal species and groups being fed and the mycotoxin concentrations and combinations in the finished diet.

Mycotoxins, which are natural substances produced by molds and fungi, are more prevalent — and more of a problem in agriculture — than ever before. More than 95% of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, and usually with two or more. Because these toxins are difficult to detect, they can cause significant damage to animal health before producers even realize they are present. A proactive mycotoxin management program is essential, and the first step is learning which mycotoxins pose the highest risk in specific regions, crops and species.

The Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis program tests samples of new-crop grains and forages collected from farms or animal feed production sites across the country, ensuring an accurate picture of mycotoxin contamination. All samples are tested at the leading-edge Alltech 37lab, which can detect the presence of 54 mycotoxins.

Other key results from the Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis include:

Corn silage

The Upper Midwest showed higher risk due to DON than in 2023, while other regions showed a similar risk to 2023. Emerging mycotoxins and Type B trichothecenes had the highest prevalence.

Corn

The risk from corn grain is primarily DON and fumonisins. The risk in the East is similar to 2023, while the risk in the Midwest is greater than 2023, particularly for monogastrics.

On Nov. 21, 2024, Alltech hosted “From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis”, a broadcast streamed live from Alltech’s headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. During the broadcast, panelists shared valuable insights for managing risks across the supply chain. Here are the key takeaways:

  • Test and monitor: Regularly test crops and feed to understand what’s present and to ensure high quality.
  • Leverage weather data: Pay attention to weather patterns and farm-specific conditions to assess potential risks early.
  • Use comprehensive information: Gather unbiased data from all aspects of your operation and tailor it to fit your specific needs.
  • Combine methods: Utilize both traditional techniques and new technologies to refine processes and ensure feed quality.
  • Act proactively: If mycotoxins are present, be proactive with management to ensure high-quality feed production, thus protecting animals and safeguarding your operation’s resilience and success. 

Visit alltech.com/harvest-analysis to access the recording of the broadcast as well as the full 2024 Alltech Harvest Analysis program, including the complete U.S. report, which is available now.

For more information about Alltech mycotoxin management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

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Results from the Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis indicate that overall risk is moderate to high.  

Enhancing mycotoxin testing for livestock feed quality

Submitted by tile on Tue, 02/25/2025 - 23:09

Mycotoxins, harmful substances produced by molds and fungi, pose a significant challenge in agriculture. With more than 95% of crops testing positive for at least one mycotoxin, farmers and feed producers need reliable and efficient testing solutions to protect animal health and performance.

Recognizing this growing need, Alltech has expanded its mycotoxin testing program with an exciting new collaboration with Waters | VICAM, integrating the Vertu™ TOUCH reader into the Alltech RAPIREAD™ system.

A smarter approach to mycotoxin management

Alltech RAPIREAD, launched in 2020, provides rapid on-site mycotoxin testing and risk analysis. Previously, it worked in collaboration with Neogen® and its Raptor® testing device, allowing producers to test individual grains and forages. Now, with the addition of Waters | VICAM’s Vertu TOUCH, Alltech RAPIREAD expands its capabilities to include complete feed analysis, offering more comprehensive insights.

The Vertu TOUCH reader is a user-friendly, touch-screen device that delivers full-range quantitative results for six major mycotoxins, including:

  • Aflatoxin
  • Fumonisin
  • Deoxynivalenol (DON)
  • Zearalenone
  • Ochratoxin A
  • T2 and HT2 toxins

This enhanced system allows producers to quickly and accurately detect mycotoxins in a single sample within 10 minutes, providing valuable data for informed decision-making.

Why rapid mycotoxin testing matters

Mycotoxins are often invisible threats, difficult to detect until they have already impacted animal health. These toxins can lead to reduced feed efficiency, weakened immune systems, and lower overall performance in livestock. With Alltech RAPIREAD and the Vertu TOUCH integration, producers can now:

  • Identify mycotoxin risks in real time at the feed mill or on the farm.
  • Make data-driven decisions to protect feed quality and animal health.
  • Reduce economic losses associated with contaminated feed and poor livestock performance.

A new era of mycotoxin testing

With decades of experience in mycotoxin risk management, Alltech continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions. The collaboration with Waters | VICAM ensures that Alltech RAPIREAD remains at the forefront of mycotoxin testing technology, offering producers a convenient, accurate and efficient way to safeguard their feed and animals.

To learn more about Alltech’s mycotoxin management solutions and see the RAPIREAD system in action, visit knowmycotoxins.com.


About the author:

Tien Le profile image

Tien Le presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture. She earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. Tien 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. 

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Alltech at ASAS Midwest: Advancing swine nutrition

Submitted by tile on Tue, 02/25/2025 - 00:54

Alltech is proud to actively participate in the upcoming ASAS Midwest meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, March 9–12. Our team will present groundbreaking research on pig nutrition and health, and our experts will share insights into optimizing performance and health for nursery and growing pigs.

These presentations represent the outcomes of Alltech internal research as well as collaboration with key partners. They reflect Alltech’s commitment to advancing pig nutrition and health through commercial-scale research.

Topics will include:

  • The effects of in-feed acidifier (Acid-Aid™) on nursery pig growth performance
  • The effects of Allzyme® Swine HC on nursery pig growth performance, bone mineralization and plasma inositol
  • Effects of benzoic acid, or a blend of organic and inorganic acids (Acid-Aid), in nursery diets on pig performance and survivability
  • Ileal and total tract digestibility of amino acids and minerals in growing pig diets supplemented with Allzyme Swine HC
  • How probiotic and synbiotic preparations limit the growth of multi-drug-resistant pathogens in vitro
  • Residual phytase activity of Allzyme Swine HC under commercial feed manufacturing practices
  • Evaluation of net energy, standardized ileal digestible lysine, and soybean meal content interactions in 10- to 23-kg pigs using a factorial design
  • Evaluation of calcium administration protocols around farrowing on sow farrowing performance
  • Effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine:crude protein ratio in diets with or without distiller’s dried grains with solubles on growth performance of 11- to 20-kg pigs

We invite all ASAS Midwest attendees to connect with our team to learn more about how our cutting-edge research can help producers and nutritionists make informed decisions to support animal health, production efficiency and overall sustainability. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with industry experts and gain valuable insights into the latest advancements.

Also, be sure to follow our updates during the event on Facebook, X and LinkedIn, and visit our website at alltech.com to learn more about the key takeaways.

We look forward to seeing you there!


About the author:

Dr. Jose Soto profile image

Dr. Jose Soto is the monogastric research and technical lead at Alltech. He was born and raised in Chile, where he received undergraduate and graduate training in agricultural sciences and agricultural economics, respectively. He received a Ph.D. in applied swine nutrition from Kansas State University, where he worked extensively with amino acid nutrition and dietary energy economic modeling. Prior to joining Alltech, Dr. Soto served in various roles for three of the Top 10 swine integrators in the U.S., in addition to several swine nutrition companies, where he was involved with research and development, production operations and technical services.


I want to learn more about nutrition for pig herd. 

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