Press Contacts:
David Butler, ABC
david@abccomms.co.uk
Media Release
January 2, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Analysis Confirms Multiple Mycotoxin Threat to UK Livestock
[Stamford, United Kingdom] – Livestock in the UK are now facing a multiple
mycotoxin challenge in the feeds they consume and farmers must respond by taking
a more holistic, risk assessment-based approach to managing the contamination
threat.
That’s according to global animal health and nutrition specialist Alltech, who
is able to base its latest mycotoxin management advice on a detailed analysis of
more than 5,900 livestock feed samples tested worldwide since 2012.
“The recent results from our advanced 37+™ analysis programme confirm
that the spectrum of mycotoxins naturally contaminating common feed commodities
is exceedingly broad – whatever continent you are farming on,” said Lauren
Dimmack from Alltech UK
“On average seven different mycotoxins contaminate each feed sample with
up to 20 different mycotoxins being detected in some common livestock feeds. Only
34 of the 5949 feed samples tested over the last three years contained no detectable
mycotoxins.”
Number of detectable mycotoxins in livestock feed samples (2012-2014: n=5949)
Number of mycotoxins
Number of samples
Proportion (%)
0
1 or 2
3 to 5
6 to 8
9 to 11
12 to 15
Over 16
34
298
1524
2353
1315
396
29
0.6
5.0
25.6
39.5
22.1
6.7
0.5
The data reveal that the most prevalent feed mycotoxins worldwide are
fumonisins, Type B trichothecenes and fusaric acid, but tricothecenes A, ergot
alkaloids and significant others – such as Aspergillus and Penicillium toxins found in
stored feed – account for 30 percent of the mycotoxins found. Aflatoxins tend to be a
threat in warmer areas of the world, or in regions feeding significant levels of grain
that have been grown in warmer climates.
“Climate change and feed storage practices here in the UK are starting to
influence the range of moulds occurring in farm feed stocks,” said Ms Dimmack. “And
with traditional tilling and crop rotation practices diminishing too, mould
contamination is persisting year-on-year, making the multiple mycotoxin threat very
real here in the UK. We are seeing more and more cases every year.
“2014 was the warmest year on record in the UK and the feeding of higher
dry matter grass and maize silages is certainly another contributing factor to this rise
in cases. Mycotoxins are products of mould metabolism, so anywhere that moulds
can grow is a potential source of a problem. It is the simultaneous presence of
various mycotoxins that increases the potential toxicity to livestock.”
Further advice on the contamination threat presented by mycotoxins is
available from Alltech on 01780 764512.
- ends Photo supplied:
UK farmers are now facing a multiple mycotoxin threat in the forages they feed to their
ruminant livestock, according to Alltech.
About Alltech:
1. Founded in 1980 by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech improves the health and performance
of people, animals and plants through natural nutrition and scientific innovation. With
more than 3,000 employees and a presence in 128 countries, the company has
developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the
Middle East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit: www.alltech.com
For media assets, visit: www.alltech.com/news