Mycosafe introduces new, superior binding of DON
In animal production, selected mycotoxin types are of interest, as research shows significant impact on productivity and health. Depending on toxin profile, level, duration of exposure and animal sensitivity, the consequences for the animals can include reduced intake, poorer efficiency, immune pressure, reproductive disruption and organ stress.
Aflatoxins are of special interest, as metabolites can be found in milk and meat when animals are fed contaminated feed. Other mycotoxins with great impact, are trichotecenes (DON, T2 etc.), impairing protein synthesis, destabilising cell structures and immunity. For silage-fed animals, penicillium toxins pose an extra, underestimated threat.
Increasing global awareness
Improved analytical tools, more variable weather patterns, tighter production targets and better understanding of the negative impact on animal productivity is changing how producers look at mycotoxins, making it more evident than an effective mitigation strategy is increasingly relevant.
Mycotoxin pressure is no longer limited to visible mould or occasional high-risk batches, but increasingly a background risk. No region or feed chain should be considered risk-free, and representative testing and scientifically grounded mitigation are becoming routine. It is estimated that up to 25% of the world’s grain supply is affected by mycotoxins, making mycotoxins a main focus area in EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).
From binder thinking to targeted management
Most farmers do not regularly monitor mycotoxin contamination and while predicting contamination is very difficult, the best approach is applying a broad management and mitigation solution. During the screening of a wide range of established and unconventional adsorbents, Vilofoss identified a new component showing strong potential for improving DON adsorption.
Figure 1 – Mycosafe showed an overall better adsorption performance than a premium competitor product in a standardised test, conducted at Ghent University.
Figure 2 – Mycosafe showed an overall better adsorption performance than 3 premium competitor products in a standardised test, conducted at Ghent University.
Since binding cannot be fully effective, animals may still face minor exposure from contaminated feed, which is why biological impact mitigation was included in the Mycosafe product line:
- Strong antioxidants to mitigate the pro-oxidative properties of multiple mycotoxins.
- Liver-supporting compounds help counteract the prolonged burden of toxin exposure, which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
The resulting concept is built around a simple principle: not every toxin profile needs the same response. Aflatoxin-focused situations can often be approached differently from broader challenges, involving DON, ZEA, fumonisins, T-2 and penicillium-toxins. In the solution range, this logic is translated into targeted options rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Turning analysis into an on-farm decision
Turning laboratory data into an actionable decision is another key part of the strategy. Mycotoxins differ greatly in toxicity, and animals do not respond equally: younger animals are usually more sensitive, and two profiles with similar total ppb can represent very different biological risk.
To address this, Vilofoss developed the Mycosafe Risk Indicator, interpreting the analytical profile together with the target animal, translating that into a practical recommendation on product choice and inclusion rate. Instead of asking the customer to react toxin by toxin, the aim is to help them move from analysis to decision.
Why this framing works for today’s market
As mycotoxin monitoring becomes more precise and contamination patterns more complex, the value of targeted interpretation increases. The future of mycotoxin management is unlikely to be defined by one mechanism alone. It will be defined by better visibility of the risk, better matching of the solution to the challenge and practical tools that help turn data into action. That is the thinking behind the latest Mycosafe development: stronger DON-focused binding as part of a broader, more targeted approach to protecting animal performance.
Conclusion
- Mycotoxins are now a constant, background risk in feed production.
- Contamination is complex, often involving multiple toxins with varying impact across species.
- Management requires more than binder –reliable analysis and tailored responses are essential.
- Mycosafe enhances DON binding as part of a practical, broader risk management approach.
- Goal: support better decisions and more consistent animal performance.
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