Managing mycotoxin risk in layers Managing mycotoxin risk in layers

Managing mycotoxin risk in layers

For commercial layers, minimising the risk of exposure to mycotoxins is key to optimal production. Layers are more susceptible to mycotoxin exposure because of their long 70-week production cycle, and this can negatively impact egg production, eggshell quality and antibody titres, while increasing feed conversion rates (FCR) and mortality. Best practices for managing exposure start with procuring good quality raw materials at feed mills, but mycotoxin monitoring should continue during raw material and feed storage.

How to recognise

The effective management of mycotoxins in layers starts with identifying the mycotoxin challenge in hand. The problems can be different in different farms and hence mycotoxin analysis in raw materials within few hours of receiving raw materials is critical to decide whether to accept that raw material or not. In this regard rapid lateral flow technology are particularly helpful. Mycomaster, developed based on this principle, can assist farmers through the analysis of six key mycotoxins within 30 minutes. These toxins include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, DON, fumonisins and zearalenone. The analysis of these mycotoxins in complete layer feed is critical if we hear any complaints from the layer farmers. Unlike many rapid tests, Mycomaster can analyse mycotoxins in complete feeds, including layer feed. Such analysis coupled with on-farm bird symptoms and veterinarians' post-mortem findings helps in collective and accurate diagnosis of mycotoxin challenge. Another tool TN has developed to provide customer-specific recommendations is NutriOpt Mycotoxin Advisor which will provide recommendations based on mycotoxin analysis in layer feed coupled with practical guidance values set for multiple mycotoxins. For this reason, we encourage feed millers and layer farmers to connect their Mycomaster to our database.

The impact on the farmer

There are two kinds of layer farmers across the globe. Those who produce their own feed and those who buy from commercial feed millers. The challenge of mycotoxins starts with the loss of raw materials for the former. If the farmers are not careful in selecting right quality raw materials, they may lose money at a later stage if such raw materials are deemed unfit to be used in feed manufacturing. The second challenge of mycotoxins is related to loss of health and performance of laying hens. Unlike broiler chickens, commercial layers are reared for a minimum of 70 weeks of age. As a result layers suffer from chronic mycotoxin toxicity even when the amount of mycotoxin is very minimal in the feed. Chronic toxicity is hard to diagnose as classical symptoms may be absent. A close monitoring of layers exposed to chronic mycotoxin toxicity has revealed poor egg production, eggshell quality, litter quality, feather coverage and antibody titres and increased FCR and mortality.

Commercial layers are constantly exposed to mycotoxins, leading to chronic toxicity and economic losses. A comprehensive mycotoxin risk management programme should be in place to prevent or reduce the impact on the farmer.