Techniques for controlling mycotoxin contamination of animal feed products

Publication date: 28-05-2026
Extent: 32 pages

Contributions by: Anthony Pokoo-Aikins,Toxicology & Mycotoxin Research Unit, U.S.National Poultry Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, USA; and Joseph Opoku, Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Unit,National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA AgriculturalResearch Service, USA

Chapter synopsis:

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by mycotoxigenic fungi that infect cereals, oilseed nuts, and other animal feed components. Mycotoxins can compromise feed quality and safety, leading to significant reductions in farm animal health, production performance, yield, and other economic losses to farmers. Approximately 85% of contamination occurs in pre-harvest, emphasizing the need for improved agronomic and crop management practices to reduce susceptibility to mycotoxigenic fungi infection and mycotoxin contamination. Post-harvest interventions such as physical, chemical, and biological techniques are used to decontaminate feed and make it safer for farm animals. These techniques can inactivate or degrade mycotoxins in feed. Farmers have adopted commercial methods, such as mechanical cleaning, heat treatment, and UV radiation, to reduce mycotoxins. Nutritional interventions such as adsorbent agents and enzymes are often used as a complementary strategy. A holistic approach of pre and post-harvest interventions, regular monitoring and testing, are essential to enhance feed safety.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2026.0172.17