Alltech expands mycotoxin testing with Waters | VICAM collaboration
USA – Alltech has expanded its mycotoxin testing program, Alltech® RAPIREAD™, by partnering with Waters™ | VICAM® to integrate the Vertu™ TOUCH analytical tool, enhancing rapid and comprehensive mycotoxin analysis for feed and grain.
The Vertu TOUCH lateral flow strip test reader, featuring simple touch-screen operation, works with VICAM’s Vertu strip tests.
It provides full-range quantitative results for six major mycotoxins: aflatoxin, fumonisin, vomitoxin (DON), zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and combining T-2 and HT-2 toxins.
“Since mycotoxins are a continuous problem for the agricultural industry, it is important for producers to understand the risk to their feed and animals,” said Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for Alltech.
“Rapid tests at the feed mill or on-farm can be used to detect the mycotoxin type or content, but including Alltech RAPIREAD can assist in understanding how mycotoxins could actually impact performance, health, or profitability.”
Alltech RAPIREAD, launched in 2020, allows customers to identify and analyse mycotoxin risks within minutes.
Initially developed through a collaboration with Neogen® and its Raptor® testing device, the system was designed for on-farm and feed mill testing of individual grains and forages.
This latest partnership with Waters | VICAM expands analysis capabilities to include complete feed, ensuring continued advancements in mycotoxin risk assessment and data-driven decision-making.
The Waters | VICAM Vertu TOUCH reader and mixer was introduced three years ago, featuring an intuitive touch-screen interface and the ability to detect six mycotoxin levels from a single sample in just 10 minutes. This advancement allows for faster, high-quality on-site testing.
“Waters | VICAM has been delivering quality mycotoxin testing products to the food and feed industries since 1987,” said Lanny Smith, global sales manager at Waters | VICAM. “The addition of CT-Connect enables the Vertu TOUCH to work seamlessly with Alltech’s RAPIREAD system, securely transferring data across all networks.”
Mycotoxin contamination in European crops raises concerns
In other news, Alltech’s 2024 European Harvest Analysis revealed alarming levels of mycotoxin contamination in crops across the continent.
The report attributes these findings to extreme weather conditions, including heavy early-season rains followed by late-season droughts, particularly in Central and Southeastern Europe.
As a result, the overall risk of mycotoxin contamination in European grains is classified as moderate to high, with serious implications for crop production and animal health.
Dr. Radka Borutova, Global Technical Support for the Technology Group at Alltech, highlighted that type B trichothecenes are the predominant mycotoxins in corn silage and straw.
In contrast, Penicillium mycotoxins, such as penicillic acid, mycophenolic acid, and patulin, are most prevalent in grass silages.
These toxins pose significant risks to animal performance and health, making effective mycotoxin management a priority.
“Overall, European grains may have similar or higher risk this year compared to last year,” Dr. Borutova stated. “Producers must be proactive in their mycotoxin management strategies to ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.”
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