Science advances drive optimism at World Mycotoxin Forum in Bangkok
January 14, 2020
Innovations in feed technology emerge as key solution for Asia and globally
Bangkok, THAILAND — Innovative solutions to help global agriculture tackle the rising threat of mycotoxins were unveiled at the World Mycotoxin Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 13-15, 2020.
Among the most promising advances featured at the forum was new research into the opportunity represented by yeast cell wall feed technology. Study results indicate strong advantages with the most advanced formulations of this technology, including under both conventional and antibiotic-free livestock production.
“Mycotoxins represent an often hidden yet very important issue for agriculture globally, including particularly in Asia where there have been reports of widespread mycotoxin contamination in Asian animal feed,” says Dr. Anhao ‘Tony’ Wang, mycotoxins expert with Canadian Bio-Systems Inc. (CBS Inc.).
“The good news is that we have made strong advances in feed technology to help combat this problem. The latest generation yeast cell wall technology is leading the way, offering a novel and very effective pathway to prevent and / or dramatically reduce the mycotoxins challenge.”
The special “World Mycotoxin Forum Meets Asia” edition of this annual scientific forum included participants and invited speakers from around the world, with a special focus on sharing knowledge and experience important to the evolving mycotoxin situation in Asia while equally relevant globally.
Featured discussions in the session on mycotoxin detoxification strategies included a presentation delivered by Wang on mitigating mycotoxin contamination with yeast cell wall technology in an antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) free production system.
This presentation touched on the overall promise of yeast cell wall technology for mycotoxins mitigation and unveiled the latest study results, from research led by Wang along with colleagues Rob Patterson of CBS Inc., Natacha Hogan of the University of Saskatchewan, Lee-Anne Huber of University of Guelph and Sabrina Zettell of CBS Inc.
This research has focused on understanding the factors underlying the toxic effects of naturally-occurring Fusarium mycotoxins (primarily DON) on poultry and swine raised without AGP. It has also evaluated the efficacy of a commercially available yeast cell wall based feed additive (NutraMix™) to mitigate the Fusarium mycotoxins in AGP-free systems.Reliable solutions for Asia, globally ew year, new opportunities
Reliable solution for Asia, globally
“The results have provided us with more in-depth knowledge of the threat represented by naturally-occurring mycotoxins - showing they typically have a substantial effect on animal performance under various levels and durations of exposure common under real world conditions,” says Wang.
“However, the results shown with the yeast cell wall treatment are very encouraging. They indicate that use of this technology as part of an integrated mycotoxin management approach can provide an effective, reliable and practical solution. Both swine and poultry operations can achieve excellent results including under AGP production.”
Interventions using feed technology should be applied strategically based on proper sample collection and analysis, says Wang. A number of high-quality options exist to support clean feed before consumption by the animal. The yeast cell wall technology tested (NutraMix™) has proven effective as a grain management technology to support clean feed. Based on the latest research featured at the World Mycotoxin Forum, it has also emerged as arguably the top option to protect the animal from possible contaminants that are consumed.
"When looking at the possible options for animal protection, a key focus is activity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which is both the site of nutrient absorptions and a major immune organ with a crucial role in maximizing performance," says Wang. "The GIT represents the first site of exposure to mycotoxins or feed-borne pathogens." The yeast cell wall feed technology evaluated is active within the GIT and has been shown overall to serve a "Protect. Bind. Repair." role, he says. An illustration of this three-step approach is available in this video.
The aim of the World Mycotoxin Forum– the world’s largest mycotoxin event – is to increase the awareness of human and animal health risks due to mycotoxin contamination. It offers a platform for the food and feed industry, science and regulatory authorities to exchange current knowledge, to promote harmonization of food and feed safety regulations and control procedures, and to make recommendations for integrated strategies ensuring the safety and security of food and feed supply chains.
CBS Inc. is an innovation-focused company that researches, develops and manufactures a wide range of bio-based products used in feed, food and industrial applications. More information of CBS Inc. Feed Science Platforms is available at fsp.canadianbio.com and additional CBS Inc. information is available at www.canadianbio.com.
