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Feed Aflatoxins Solution
Feed contamination by aflatoxins is a significant global problem. Agricultural practices such as inadequate harvesting and improper storage of crops play a critical role in the prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in raw materials such as wheat, soybean and corn used for animal feed. Animals consuming feed which is contaminated with aflatoxins are exposed to various adverse health effects, resulting in significant changes in biochemical, hematological and performance parameters. By combining our analytical platform with animal models, BioVenic offers a comprehensive solution for aflatoxin testing, feed supplement development, and biological detoxification to meet the needs of animal nutrition researchers.
Classification of Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins, a group of naturally occurring mycotoxins, are produced by certain fungal species within the Aspergillus section Flavi, particularly A. flavus. More than 20 aflatoxin variants have been identified, of which the most critical for food and feed safety are the difurocoumarocyclopentenone group (aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2) and the difurocoumarolactone group (aflatoxin G1 and aflatoxin G2). Some of these forms are by-products or metabolites of animal metabolism. For example, aflatoxin M1 and aflatoxin M2 occur as metabolites of aflatoxin B1 and B2, respectively, and are found in the milk of lactating mammals that consume aflatoxin-contaminated feed.
Table. 1 Physical and chemical properties of major aflatoxins1
| Aflatoxin Type | Molecular Formula | Molecular Weight (g /mol) | Melting Point (°C) | Fluorescence λ Excitation (nm) | λ Emission (nm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | C17H12O6 | 312 | 268–269 | 223 | 425 |
| B2 | C17H14O6 | 314 | 286–289 | 265 | 425 |
| G1 | C17H12O7 | 328 | 244–246 | 243 | 450 |
| G2 | C17H14O7 | 330 | 237–240 | 265 | 450 |
| M1 | C17H12O7 | 328 | 299 | 365 | 435 |
| M2 | C17H14O7 | 330 | 293 | 360 | 450 |
| Aflatoxicol | C17H14O6 | 314 | 225 | 325 | 425 |
| Aflatoxin Q1 | C17H12O7 | 328 | 250 | 365 | 466 |
Fig. 1 Chemical structure of major aflatoxins1
Aflatoxin Hazards in Animals
Among farm animals, monogastric species like pigs and poultry prove most vulnerable to the harmful effects of aflatoxins, with ruminants demonstrating a higher resilience due to their rumen microbiota's ability to break down or neutralize toxins. A summary of the adverse effects of dietary aflatoxins on various animal types is detailed in the following table:
Table. 2 Adverse effects of dietary aflatoxins in various animals
| Animal Type | Effects |
|---|---|
| Pigs | Prolonged exposure to low levels of dietary AFB1 hampers growth performance, lowers digestibility, and compromises intestinal barrier integrity. Acute toxicity from high AFB1 doses manifests as reduced body weight, liver and kidney damage, and immune system suppression. |
| Chickens | AFB1 intake notably restricts feed consumption and body weight gain in broilers, while high concentrations impair egg production in hens. |
| Dogs and Cats | Aflatoxicosis in these animals results in digestive symptoms (like vomiting and anorexia), hemodynamic issues (such as jaundice and dehydration), and neurological abnormalities (like seizures and coma). |
| Cattles | AFB1 exposure leads to feed refusal, decreased growth and milk production, along with signs of lethargy, weight loss, rough hair coat, and mild diarrhea. |
| Horses | Affected horses display non-specific clinical signs like loss of appetite, depression, fever, tremors, and liver damage as indicated by clinical biochemistry. |
| Sheep | Liver damage and dysfunction in sheep exposed to AFB1 involve oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and alterations in gut microbiota. |
| Goat | A linear relationship exists between the concentration of aflatoxin M1 in milk and the intake of aflatoxin B1. |
| Fish | Fingerlings consuming AFB1-contaminated feed above 500 μg/kg witness reduced growth, weight gain, and feed intake. Higher concentrations induce severe hepatic and renal tissue damage. Prolonged exposure of Nile tilapia to aflatoxin-laden diets affects milt quality, fecundity, and growth performance. |
Feed Aflatoxin Solutions
To mitigate the detrimental impacts of aflatoxins on animal well-being and nutrition, a range of solutions has been devised. These solutions encompass aflatoxin detection, the creation of detoxification additives, and biological processes.
- Aflatoxin Analysis Solutions
Utilizing our microbial platform enables the differentiation between aflatoxin-producing and non-producing strains. We offer various Animal Feed Mycotoxin Analysis techniques like high-performance thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for aflatoxin detection. Tailoring the approach based on sample type and approximate aflatoxin levels ensures precise analysis. Our platform also facilitates the development of novel aflatoxin analysis methodologies.
- Feed Additive Development for Aflatoxins
Aflatoxin mitigation additives for animal feed are typically categorized into three groups: binders, modifiers, and antioxidants. Through our Feed Additive Development for Mycotoxins solutions, we specialize in the creation of these feed additives to attenuate the impact of aflatoxins on animal health.
Table. 3 Feed additives for the mitigation of aflatoxins
| Additives | Descriptions | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mycotoxin binders | These binders prevent mycotoxin absorption in livestock by adsorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and forming complexes, which are subsequently excreted in feces. | Clay minerals, yeast cell walls, polymers, agricultural waste products. |
| Mycotoxin modifiers | These agents can bio-transform the chemical structure of mycotoxins, generating metabolites that are less toxic or non-toxic compared to the original compounds. | Bacteria, fungi, enzymes. |
| Antioxidants | While not directly binding or modifying mycotoxins, antioxidants combat the toxic effects of aflatoxins by addressing oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling pathways, thereby averting aflatoxin-induced injuries. | L-Threonine, grape seed extract, essential oil. |
- Development of Biological Detoxification for Aflatoxins in Animal Feed
Certain microorganisms and enzymes have the capability to break down or adsorb aflatoxins found in animal feed. Our technological platform enables the screening and identification of strains that can degrade aflatoxins, along with studying enzyme effects on aflatoxin breakdown. This process aids in the establishment of biological detoxification techniques to reduce or eliminate aflatoxin contamination in animal feed.
Fig. 2 The adsorption of AFB1 by microorganisms2
Table. 4 AF-degrading enzymes and their sources2
| Degrading Enzyme | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Intracellular: | Aflatoxin oxidase (AFO) | Armillariella tabescens |
| Extracellular: | Peroxidase | Pseudomonas sp. |
| Reductase | Mycobacterium smegmatis | |
| Lactoperoxidase | - | |
| Manganese peroxidase | Pleurotus ostreatus | |
| Myxobacteria AF degradation enzyme | Myxococcus fulvus | |
- Animal Experimentation Solutions for Aflatoxins
Our extensive range of in vitro and in vivo animal models, coupled with animal nutrition and metabolism analysis and omics solutions, facilitates the assessment of how aflatoxin-laden feed affects growth, health parameters and product quality in different animal species. Additionally, it allows for the evaluation of the efficacy of biological detoxification processes in feed and the performance of aflatoxin-detoxifying additives. Our solutions delve into the mechanisms through which aflatoxins influence animal health.
Service Workflow of Feed Aflatoxins Solution
Why Choose Us?
Our platform features a diverse set of assays tailored for different types of feed aflatoxins, enabling swift and precise quantification of aflatoxins in samples.
We offer an extensive selection of animal models to scrutinize aflatoxin effects and assess the efficiency of detoxification methods across various livestock, poultry, and companion animals.
Customized solutions are crafted to meet the unique research requirements of our clients.
BioVenic's feed aflatoxin solutions are designed based on the characteristics of aflatoxin and the physiological traits of different animals. We cater to animal nutrition researchers by providing services such as aflatoxin detection, the development of detoxification feed additives, biological detoxification process development, and more. Furthermore, we offer the assessment of aflatoxin detoxification methods through animal models. If you are interested in our feed aflatoxin solutions, please contact us, and we will gladly provide a solution that aligns with your research needs.
References
- Popescu, Roua Gabriela et al. "Aflatoxins in Feed: Types, Metabolism, Health Consequences in Swine and Mitigation Strategies." Toxins vol. 14,12 853. 3 Dec. 2022. Under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
- Guan, Yun et al. "Aflatoxin Detoxification Using Microorganisms and Enzymes." Toxins vol. 13,1 46. 9 Jan. 2021. Under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.