Mycotoxins are the toxic compounds that are produced by different type of fungi. These can contaminate feed and other materials of poultry production. Mycotoxins bind to cell through adsorptions to cell surfaces, chemical modifications and disruptions of cell functions.
Common mycotoxins in poultry:
• Aflatoxins
• Ochratoxins
• Fumonisins
• Trichothecenes
• Zearalenone
Different sources of mycotoxin:
1. Contaminated feed
2. Direct contact with contaminated litter
3. Environmental factors like rainfall, drought
4. Transportation and storage conditions
Harmful effects of mycotoxins in poultry:
1. Damages the internal organ like liver and kidney.
2. Reduces feed efficiency as well as lowers the growth.
3. Suppress immune system make birds more susceptible to diseases.
- Lowers the reproductive health and decreases egg production.
- Reduces the nutrient absorption capacity and also cause gastrointestinal problems.
Mycotoxin binders:
Mycotoxin binders also called as adsorbents, because they prevent the adsorption in GI tract and absorption in blood.
Mycotoxin binders function through both physical and chemical interaction. They form a matrix like structure and binds mycotoxin into their matrix, reduces the bioavailability.
Types of mycotoxin binders:
1. Organic:
• Clay
• Activated carbon
• HSCAS
2. Inorganic:
• Yeast cell walls
• Plant derived
• Humic acid
• Cholestyramine
Considerations before selecting mycotoxin binders:
1. Least active on nutrients
2. Broad- spectrum adsorption capacity
3. Binding stability
4. Safety
5. Efficient even at low contamination levels
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