Alltech’s 2024 harvest analysis highlights growing mycotoxin risks across Europe
EUROPE – Alltech, a global leader in biotechnology, has unveiled the findings of its 2024 European Harvest Analysis, revealing concerning levels of mycotoxin contamination in crops across the continent.
According to the report, a combination of heavy early-season rains and late-season droughts has created distinct challenges for crop producers in Central and Southeastern Europe. As a result, the report indicates that the overall risk of mycotoxin contamination in European grains is moderate to high, with significant implications for both crop production and animal health.
Dr. Radka Borutova, Global Technical Support for the Technology Group at Alltech, noted that type B trichothecenes are the predominant mycotoxins found in corn silage and straw, while Penicillium mycotoxins, such as penicillic acid, mycophenolic acid, and patulin, are most prevalent in grass silages.
These mycotoxins can severely affect animal performance and health, posing challenges for farmers in managing their feed quality.
“Overall, European grains may have similar or higher risk this year compared to last year,” said Dr. Borutova. “Producers must be proactive in their mycotoxin management strategies to ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.”
Mycotoxins, which are naturally occurring substances produced by molds and fungi, are an increasing concern for agriculture.
According to Alltech, more than 95% of crops are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, often multiple types. These toxins are difficult to detect and can cause significant damage to animal health before their presence is even recognized.
Consequently, a proactive mycotoxin management program is essential, with the first step being the identification of the specific mycotoxins posing the highest risk in various regions, crops, and species.
The Alltech 2024 European Harvest Analysis program collected and tested samples from 20 countries across Europe. These samples were tested at the state-of-the-art Alltech 37+™ lab, which is capable of detecting 54 different mycotoxins.
The results show that barley and wheat are particularly affected, with barley samples averaging 6.8 mycotoxins per sample and wheat averaging 7.6. A striking 98% of barley samples and 99% of wheat samples contained multiple mycotoxins, with type B trichothecenes and ergot alkaloids being the most common.
For forages, including grass silage, corn silage, and straw, the report found an average of 3.7 mycotoxins per sample, with 78% containing multiple mycotoxins.
The weather extremes experienced during the growing season, heavy rainfall followed by drought, have created ideal conditions for mold growth, leading to increased mycotoxin production.
The report highlights the significant challenges this poses for European farmers, especially given that mycotoxin contamination is often not visible until it has already impacted feed quality and animal health.
In response to these challenges, Alltech recently hosted a broadcast titled “From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis,” which was streamed live from the company’s headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. During the broadcast, industry experts shared valuable insights on how producers can manage mycotoxin risks.
Key recommendations included regular testing of crops and feed, using weather data to assess risks early, and employing a combination of traditional and modern technologies to monitor and mitigate mycotoxin levels in feed.
As Dr. Borutova emphasized, the key to mitigating these risks is proactive management. “By understanding what mycotoxins are present in the crops and feeds, producers can take necessary actions to minimize their impact and protect their animals,” she said.
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