Mycotoxins: From Field to Feed - Feed contami­na­tion

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi. Around 80% of animal feeds are contaminated with two or more mycotoxins. The book Mycotoxins: From Field to Feed explores the potential risks these contaminants pose to pigs, cattle, poultry, horses, fish, insects, and companion animals.

Mycotoxins: From Field to Feed features contributions from international experts around the world. In addition to outlining the risks, the book addresses methods of prevention and detection in animal feed, and how to minimise the harmful effects of contamination.

For example, Professor Gallo from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Italy) discusses the impact of mycotoxins on ruminants, while Dr Alassane-Kpembi from the University of Montreal (Canada) explores how mycotoxins interact with other contaminants and veterinary medicines. Professor Tegzes of the Western University of Health Sciences (USA) contributes a chapter on the effects of mycotoxins on pets, and Professor Antonissen from Ghent University (Belgium) provides updates focused on poultry. The book is edited by Regiane R. Santos, senior researcher at Schothorst Feed Research.

The role of climate change

Climate change is a key factor in the rising incidence of mycotoxin contamination in crops. As global temperatures increase and weather patterns become more unpredictable, conditions for fungal growth improve. These shifts can lead to changes in fungal populations in fields, favouring species that produce mycotoxins. Professor Medina of Cranfield University (UK) addresses this topic in her chapter.

About Regiane R. Santos

Dr Santos is a veterinary scientist with doctoral degrees from universities in Brazil and the Netherlands. During her PhD research at Utrecht University (2008–2015), she specialised in the effects of mycotoxins on the digestive and reproductive systems of livestock. Since 2015, she has led the mycotoxin research programme at Schothorst Feed Research (SFR) in Lelystad. SFR is an independent research institute focused on nutrition for farm animals (poultry, pigs and cattle), and serves as a sparring partner for nutritionists and advisers around the world.

Santos has published over 150 peer-reviewed studies. Her key ambition is to foster interaction between farmers, nutritionists, veterinarians, policymakers, academic researchers and the feed industry. “We need to bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research, and practical implementation,” she says.

The book is available through publisher Brill and on Amazon.

www.brill.com/ffs