Abdallah Dweik
Senior Technical and Formulation Manager
UTRIX S.A.L.
Roula Nehme
Formulation Unit Head
UTRIX S.A.L.
Recent global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Red Sea conflict, have led to delayed shipping times, extended storage, and environmental conditions that increased the risk of mycotoxin contamination in feed raw material. This growing threat highlights the need for effective solutions to mitigate the impact of mycotoxins in animal nutrition, making toxin binders a necessity.
AN INVISIBLE CONSEQUENCE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that contaminate animal feed, particularly grains and other feed ingredients. These mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins, pose significant risks to animal health, affecting growth rates, immune function, and overall productivity. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins can result in reduced performance, higher veterinary costs, and even death in extreme cases.
Since 2020, we see a rise in mycotoxins contamination due to a series of major worldwide crises. First off, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global agricultural production and transportation, leading to longer storage times and delays in shipping. As a result, feed ingredients remained in storage for extended periods, increasing the likelihood of fungal growth and mycotoxin production, especially in warm, humid conditions.
These disruptions were compounded by climate-related factors. Higher temperatures and humidity during extended shipping or storage periods create an ideal environment for fungi that produce mycotoxins, which can then contaminate animal feed. As a result, aflatoxins and other mycotoxins became more prevalent in animal feed during the pandemic, leading to potential risks for livestock health. A 2021 FAO study estimated a 20% increase in aflatoxin contamination in animal feed due to prolonged storage during the pandemic.
Consequently, the WHO revealed that mycotoxin-related health issues in livestock increased by 15% globally during the pandemic.
GEOPOLITICS’ IMPACTS ON FEED SAFETY
Since November 2023, the Red Sea conflict has further exacerbated the risk of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. The conflict led to shipping disruptions and the rerouting of vessels through the Cape of Good Hope, which resulted in longer transportation times for grains and feed ingredients (estimated to up to 30% increased shipping time by the International Maritime Organization). This delay increased the exposure of feed ingredients to hot and humid conditions, which are ideal for fungal growth and mycotoxin production.
As feed ingredients spent more time in transit, the likelihood of mycotoxin contamination grew, further affecting the quality of animal feed. Studies conducted in affected regions revealed that aflatoxin contamination in animal feed increased by 25-35% during the conflict, further emphasizing the need for effective mitigation.
Adding the current climate changes to the equation, the risk of feed contamination by mycotoxins is a growing issue in many parts of the world. Experts recognize that in the current context, the mitigation of mycotoxins’ deleterious effect is no longer an option but a necessity.
HOW CAN MYCOTOXIN BINDERS SAFEGUARD ANIMAL HEALTH?
Mycotoxin binders are technological feed additives designed to neutralize harmful mycotoxins that contaminate animal feed. They represent a preventive measure to protect animal health.
Mycotoxin binders effectively bind mycotoxins like aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins, rendering them inactive and preventing them from being absorbed by animals. This reduces the negative effects of mycotoxins on animal health, including reduced growth rates, immunosuppression, and reproductive issues.
Mycotoxin binders ensure that even in suboptimal storage or transport conditions, animals are protected from the harmful effects of mycotoxins. Toxin binder has been proven to work in a range of environmental conditions, from hot and humid climates to long-duration storage and shipping situations, making it the ideal solution for today’s unstable supply chain and global shipping challenges.
PROVEN BENEFITS IN ANIMALS
In recent trials, the mycotoxin binder product demonstrated significant results in reducing mycotoxin contamination in animal feed affected by longer shipping times and disrupted supply chains. In one study, aflatoxin levels in corn feed were reduced by up to 40%, even in warm and humid shipping conditions.
Additionally, animal trials conducted in regions facing transportation delays and environmental stresses showed improved growth rates, better feed efficiency, and enhanced immune response in animals consuming feed treated with mycotoxin binder.
CONCLUSION
The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Red Sea conflict have significantly increased the risks of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. With extended shipping times and prolonged storage becoming more common, livestock producers face growing challenges in ensuring the safety and quality of their feed.
By neutralizing mycotoxins, mycotoxin binders help maintain optimal animal performance, including better feed conversion rates, weight gain, and immune function. This results in healthier livestock and higher productivity, even during times of global disruption.
In order to protect livestock, safeguard the feed, and improve producers’ bottom line, mycotoxin binders represent a key tool in today’s rapidly changing world.
ABOUT UTRİX
UTRIX was founded in 2009. In 2015, it started operations in Bekaa, Lebanon, where it became a premier producer of premixes, concentrates, and feed additives. With its state-of-art production facility, UTRIX has emerged as the sole feed additive producer in the area. Its offerings include innovative solutions to support animal health, well-being, and performance, produced according to global quality standards (GMP+ and ISO certifications). These solutions are backed by international technical expertise and dedicated customer support and services. UTRIX’s mission is to support healthy and sustainable animal production through innovative solutions and services. Producing locally, UTRİX ensures prompt delivery of fresh products. More information at www.utrix.com.