How to accurately test for mycotoxins within feed and cereals.
Mycotoxins are a group of naturally occurring toxins produced as secondary metabolites by certain moulds. They can occur in a variety of different crops and are estimated to be responsible for losses of 5-10% of crop production globally. Consumption of mycotoxins can result in significant adverse health effects in humans and animals and, as a result, international food standards recommend that food producers conduct regular routine screening for mycotoxins.
When purchasing feed, trusted suppliers are a reliable measure of quality, but this does not guarantee freedom from contamination. Feed is never always the same, no matter the source – even if you produce your own, nutrient levels can vary. Testing feed helps to ensure that it meets the requirements for your animals’ performance. Animal health, protein and vitamin intake, and level of grain supplementation are all affected by the composition of feed ingested.
A Biomin study of over 16,000 samples of raw material and feed showed that 94% contained 10 or more mycotoxins and metabolites. Symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning can be difficult to identify, but can cause a real cumulative impact on an animals’ productivity, even when at very low levels, due to prolonged exposure and synergistic effects.
In order to help the industry Randox Food Diagnostics developed the Evidence Investigator analyser. The Evidence Investigator uses Biochip Array Technology (BAT), a technology that was developed by Randox, to detect multiple toxins, residues & contaminants (up to 44) from a single sample. All Randox Food’s mycotoxin tests are simple to use and require a single liquid-liquid extraction method.
Within feed and cereals, Randox Food Diagnostics provide mycotoxin testing for different matrices such as: maize silage, maize, Barley, grass seed, rice, wheat, oats, soya, DDGS, rapeseed as well as livestock and pet foods including premixed feed.
Randox Food Diagnostics offer a mycotoxin screening array on Biochip called Myco 10 which can detect up to 10 groups of mycotoxins per sample including aflatoxins G1/G2 & B1/B2, ergot alkaloids, fumonisins, paxilline, ochratoxin A, diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol (DON), T2 toxin & zeralenone. Also offered are a range of ELISA test kits including ergot alkaloids.
Randox Food Diagnostics are also regular participants in the FAPAS proficiency testing scheme which provides an independent check of a laboratory’s procedures to ensure the delivery of quality results.
For more information on our arrays for mycotoxins please visit the website: https://www.randoxfood.com/matrices/mycotoxins or contact us via email at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com