The detrimental impact of mycotoxin contamination in feed crops could be costing poultry organizations upwards of £150,000 (€178,000) annually.
Mycotoxins: A Scope for Economic Loss in Poultry Farming
Research conducted by Queen’s University Belfast emphasizes that mycotoxins—harmful chemicals found in contaminated feed—pose significant threats to both environmental and economic sustainability in the global poultry sector.
The Economic Ramifications
The study reveals that mycotoxins can diminish feed efficiency by as much as 10%, leading to potential annual losses exceeding £150,000 for medium-scale poultry operations. Additionally, these toxins adversely affect avian health, increasing mortality rates among birds and contributing to food waste.
Environmental Sustainability Under Threat
Professor Chris Elliot from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University stresses the necessity of addressing mycotoxin contamination in key feed crops—such as wheat, maize, and soybean—to make poultry production sustainable and low-carbon.
Mycotoxins and Carbon Footprint
The collaborative research involving DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health and BOKU University found that even minimal levels of mycotoxins can increase the carbon footprint of poultry production by over 8%. This finding is crucial for shifting industry perspectives on mycotoxin management.
Implications for the Poultry Industry
Co-author Professor Rudi Krska emphasizes that this research could lead to meaningful changes in the agri-food sector’s approach to mycotoxin contamination, ultimately benefiting farmers, consumers, and the planet.
Need for Comprehensive Risk Management
Dr. Gerd Schatzmayr, head of global R&D at DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health, highlights the urgent need for effective mycotoxin mitigation strategies. “In a time of climate volatility and global trade disruptions, managing mycotoxin risks is essential,” he stated. Such management not only promotes animal health and welfare but also strengthens farm profitability, sustainability, and food security.
