Mycotoxins in Ruminants: A Silent Challenge Requiring an Integrated Approach
Introduction
For many years, ruminants were considered relatively resistant to mycotoxins due to the ability of the rumen microbiota to degrade part of these compounds. However, research published in recent years has revealed a more complex reality: the protection provided by the rumen is not absolute and depends on the type of mycotoxin, the balance of the ruminal microbiota and the level of feed contamination.
Today, chronic exposure to low concentrations of mycotoxins is recognised as a factor that may influence feed efficiency, animal performance, immune function and digestive health, even in the absence of obvious clinical signs. Rather than an occasional issue, mycotoxins represent a silent challenge that requires a preventive and integrated nutritional approach.
What Does Science Tell Us?
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites mainly produced by fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium. They may develop both in the field and during the storage of cereals, silage and other feed ingredients.
The most relevant mycotoxins in ruminants include aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisins, ochratoxin A, and T-2 and HT-2 toxins.
A recent review published in Applied Animal Science suggests that the risk posed by mycotoxins in ruminant production has probably been underestimated for many years. Although the rumen can partially transform certain toxins, this capacity is not always sufficient to prevent negative effects on animal health and performance.
In addition, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers mycotoxins to remain one of the major concerns in animal nutrition because of their high occurrence and the increasing influence of climate change on fungal contamination.
Beyond a Single Mycotoxin
One of the most significant developments in recent years concerns risk assessment.
In practice, animals are rarely exposed to only one mycotoxin. It is far more common for several toxins to occur simultaneously within the same feed or among different ingredients in the ration.
This multiple contamination may result in additive or even synergistic effects, meaning that moderate contamination levels may have a greater biological impact than expected. Consequently, risk assessment should consider the overall contamination profile rather than focusing on a single mycotoxin.
How Do Mycotoxins Affect Ruminants?
The effects are generally progressive and difficult to recognise.
Depending on the type of toxin and the duration of exposure, the following may occur:
• reduced dry matter intake;
• lower fibre digestibility;
• alterations in the ruminal microbiota;
• reduced feed efficiency;
• decreased milk production or growth performance;
• reproductive disturbances;
• increased susceptibility to health challenges associated with immune modulation.
In many cases, no specific clinical syndrome is observed, but rather a gradual decline in performance that makes the problem difficult to identify.
An Integrated Approach to Risk Management
Managing mycotoxins begins long before feed reaches the animals.
An effective strategy should include:
• careful selection of raw materials;
• appropriate silage management;
• suitable storage conditions;
• regular risk monitoring;
• evaluation of multiple contamination;
• the use of appropriate nutritional solutions whenever justified.
Current nutritional strategies increasingly rely on multifunctional solutions that contribute not only to reducing the bioavailability of selected mycotoxins but also to maintaining digestive balance and ruminal stability.
Within this integrated approach, RUMITOX can be incorporated as part of a comprehensive nutritional programme. Its formulation combines adsorbent agents and functional ingredients that contribute to maintaining digestive balance and ruminal stability.
Key Takeaways
✔ Ruminants are not completely resistant to mycotoxins.
✔ Multiple mycotoxin contamination is more common than previously thought.
✔ Performance losses may occur even in the absence of obvious clinical signs.
✔ Effective management relies on good feeding practices combined with appropriate nutritional solutions.
References:
Bandyk C.A. (2024). Applied Animal Science.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Mycotoxins.
Pinton P. et al. (2025). Mycotoxins hazard: the European view.
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