The contamination of feeds and raw materials by mycotoxins is increasing on a global basis. While the effect of mycotoxins is well known in most terrestrial farm animals the effect of mycotoxins on aquaculture species has not been studied extensively. Nevertheless, several studies reported pathological signs of mycotoxin poisoning in fish and shrimp species which can cause economic losses to the industry. By Pedro Encarnação.

How do you measure the nutritional quality of feed without using live animal models? The tiny-tim, an in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract can achieve this in a rapid, cost-effective and reliable way. Robert Havenaar and Mans Minekus from TNO Quality of Life in the Netherlands explain

In 2006, the world mycotoxin forum goes to Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. This leading international meeting will take place from November 6-8 and is a perfect place where food and feed industry representatives can meet with people from universities and governments from around the world. The final programme has been finalised so it’s time for us to update you on what you can expect.

Nanotechnology is rapidly establishing itself as a key technology discipline, not only in the plastic and oil industry but also in animal feed. Emmy Koeleman finds out how nanotechnology in clay can change the way we can target in-feed mycotoxins.

In mycotoxin analysis, well established methods based on chromatographic principles are holding their ground, but a transition to multitoxin and rapid methods can be observed. Also, a number of new techniques such as biosensors are rapidly emerging say Rudolf Krska and Elvira Welzig.

The raising of gilts is an essential part of pig production. However, mycotoxins can be a real spoilsport as the occurrence in gilt rations has adverse effects on reproduction parameters and the immune system. A single false heat or missed service will have quite dramatic effects on the production pyramid. Fergus Neher explains what measures can be taken to ensure that this variable is eliminated.

Plant ingredients pose a high risk of mycotoxin contamination. As the aquafeed industry moves towards using more plant ingredients, Peter Spring explains why both risk assessment towards mycotoxins and development of appropriate protection strategies will become an integral in aquaculture nutrition.

The ingestion of mycotoxins by farm animals can result in specific symptoms such as liver damage or egg production being affected. Besides, mycotoxins can also affect the immune system of birds, even at low levels. Mathieu Cortyl reviews some of the main research on this subject.

Globalisation means that food safety and quality assurance are more important than ever before. An essential part of this is traceability. Feed Mix asked Angela Booth of Abnatech Global in the UK, how to implement quality and safety standards at the level of feed formulation and production.

Plant-based ingredients are increasingly used in fish diets due to increase economic/market pressures on feed compounders to produce lower cost, sustainable alternatives. Because plant ingredients pose a high risk of mycotoxin contamination, moving to plant protein sources in the aquafeed industry demands careful risk assessment, as well as appropriate protection strategies for fish fed contaminated feeds.