Trouw Nutrition analysis highlights persistent mycotoxin risks in global feed supply

GLOBAL – Trouw Nutrition has released findings from its 2025 Global Mycotoxin Review, warning that persistent contamination in feed ingredients and changing climate patterns will require feed producers to strengthen risk management strategies in 2026.

The company, Nutreco’s livestock feed business, analysed more than 120,000 samples from 47 countries, covering feed ingredients, silage and complete feeds. 

Using a newly developed predictive model, the analysis assesses global and regional contamination patterns to help feed mills and livestock producers anticipate risks in raw material sourcing, storage and diet formulation.

Rising mycotoxin prevalence highlights feed formulation risks

According to the review, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) were the most frequently detected mycotoxins, appearing in 57% and 62% of global samples, respectively. 

Average concentrations were also notable, with DON reaching 583 parts per billion (ppb) and fumonisins (FUM) averaging 961 ppb, the highest among the toxins analysed.

Dr Swamy Haladi, global category manager for mould and mycotoxin risk management at Trouw Nutrition, said the rising prevalence of ZEN is particularly concerning.

“In the last couple of years, there’s been a significant increase in ZEN contamination, even beyond the DON, and that is a bit of a concern,” Haladi said.

While overall contamination levels remained broadly similar to 2024, seasonal patterns shifted, with peak concentrations occurring in different months for several toxins. 

The report highlights the importance of monitoring ingredient origin, particularly as global sourcing becomes more common in feed manufacturing.

Samples from parts of Asia, for example, showed unexpectedly high levels of DON and ZEN, toxins typically associated with cooler climates. 

Trouw Nutrition said these findings underline the need for stricter quality control for imported raw materials.

Feed mycotoxin risk varies by species

Feed risk also varies widely depending on livestock species and feed composition.

For poultry diets, analyses of broiler and laying hen feeds showed elevated risk from fumonisins and aflatoxin (AFLA). 

In pig production, ZEN posed the highest risk in piglet diets, while fumonisins and aflatoxin were more significant challenges for sow and grow-finish feeds.

Ruminant diets also presented multiple risk factors. 

ZEN and DON were identified as major concerns in dairy calf feed, while dairy cows had higher exposure to ZEN, T2/HT2 toxins, and DON in total mixed rations. 

Aquafeed samples showed a particularly high risk of aflatoxin, fumonisins, and ZEN.

Haladi emphasised that feed formulation must consider both contamination levels and species sensitivity.

“For sows, the 86 ppb of ZEN could be a problem, while in the grow-finisher pigs, that might not be an issue, so you need to consider the animal you are feeding,” he said.

Model predicts 2026 mycotoxin risks

The review also introduces a predictive modelling system developed by Trouw Nutrition’s MasterLab. 

Based on historical testing data, the system estimates expected contamination ranges to support feed planning.

For example, the model predicts a global average DON level of 460 ppb, with most contamination expected to range from 200 ppb to 750 ppb. 

ZEN levels are forecast to average 73 ppb, with about 95% of samples likely to fall between 50 ppb and 150 ppb.

Avinash Bhat, technical specialist at MasterLab, said the tool can also generate region-specific forecasts to guide decision-making in the feed industry.

The review also flags emerging and masked mycotoxins, particularly enniatins, which have been detected in ingredients such as barley, oats and wheat. 

These compounds can increase the toxicity of other mycotoxins, even at low levels, potentially affecting feed efficiency, growth rates, and reproductive performance.

Haladi said understanding contamination risks in raw materials and finished feed is essential for protecting animal health and production efficiency.

“Understanding the specific mycotoxin risks in your raw materials and finished feeds is essential. It enables producers to select the right mitigation strategies at the right time, protecting animal health, performance and business outcomes,” he said

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