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A Practical Guide to Mycotoxins in Poultry and How to Manage Them Safely

  • Ralco Agriculture
  • Dec 2
  • 7 min read

Updated: Dec 3

lab specialist looking at a mycotoxin test in a test jar

Weather conditions across the country were highly variable this year, with some areas receiving above-average rainfall and flooding and others experiencing what some agronomists called “near tropical” conditions due to the extreme heat and humidity. (1)

 

Rainfall, high humidity and heat all pose an increased risk of mycotoxin formation in feed crops, but even in hot and dry weather, the risk of certain mycotoxins contaminating feed crops, such as aflatoxin, is increased.

 

For poultry, this can impact production and performance. Birds respond to mycotoxins quickly and often subtly, and performance losses can begin long before a flock looks “off.”

 

Early signs such as feed aversion or oral lesions can indicate mycotoxin exposure in a flock. On the other hand, chronic mycotoxin exposure can lead to other challenges such as suppressed immune function, gastrointestinal issues, reduced weight gain and poor feather quality.

 

Our poultry nutritionists are here to help you break down the most relevant toxins in poultry and how toxin binders, enzymes and biologicals fit into a modern mycotoxin strategy.

 

How Mycotoxins Affect Poultry

The intestinal tract of poultry species is relatively short, meaning nutrient absorption by the intestines must happen quickly. To achieve this, the villi of the birds’ intestinal tract act as “amplification” to nutrient absorption. However, certain mycotoxins can damage and shorten these villi.

 

Additionally, some mycotoxins can hinder intestinal mucus secretion, which acts as a protective barrier to the gut, and can impact the activity of certain enzymes within the intestinal tract necessary for digestion. (2) This combination makes birds vulnerable to even subtle, chronic exposure.

 

Research shows that even low levels of common mycotoxins can reduce growth, damage liver and kidney tissue, affect egg production and weaken immune function, especially when multiple toxins are present at once. (3, 4)

 

When two or more mycotoxins are present at the same time, this co-occurrence can cause them to act synergistically or additively. Different mycotoxins can target different organs and when several toxins overlap, the stress compounds. This is why flocks often perform poorly even when no single toxin exceeds guidance levels.

 

What’s Driving Higher Mycotoxin Risk

Both hot/dry and cool/wet weather patterns appeared across major grain-producing regions recently. Each favors different mold species, which means different toxin profiles:

  • Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of aflatoxins and fumonisins.

  • Cool, wet periods drive vomitoxin (DON), T-2/HT-2, zearalenone and ochratoxin A formation.

 

Because poultry diets frequently include wheat, barley and by-products in addition to corn, mycotoxin risks are not limited to a single ingredient.

 

Fungal species often produce more than one mycotoxin, so poultry feed usually contains several ingredients susceptible to mycotoxins, and because many feed mills receive and store grain from multiple regions, the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in poultry rations is common.

 

Several recent analyses confirm that co-contamination, even at low individual levels, is one of the biggest drivers of performance loss in poultry flocks. (4, 5)

 

Ralco’s mycotoxin testing labs in Southwest Minnesota have also experienced increased levels of mycotoxins across the board from many samples across the country, but specifically DON.

 

The Major Mycotoxins Affecting Poultry

More than 300 mycotoxins have been identified today, but poultry respond differently to each toxin compared to swine or cattle. Birds are especially sensitive to toxins that target the liver, kidneys, gut lining and immune system.

 

Based on current research, these are the mycotoxins with the strongest impact on poultry:

  1. Aflatoxins (AFLA)

    Among the most damaging toxins for poultry. Even low levels impair liver function, reduce weight gain and egg production and suppress the immune system. (3, 7)

  2. Ochratoxin A (OTA)

    In poultry, OTA targets the kidneys and liver and has been associated with reduced growth and altered organ histology (structure of an organ’s tissue). In layers and breeders, studies also link it to thinner shells and hatchability issues. (8)

  3. Vomitoxin/Deoxynivalenol (DON)

    Does not induce vomiting in birds like it does in swine and cattle but depresses intake, irritates the gut lining and increases susceptibility to enteric diseases such as coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis. (3, 6)

  4. Trichothecene (T-2)

    Cause gizzard erosion, oral lesions and abrupt drops in feed intake. These Type A trichothecenes strongly suppress the immune system. (3, 9)

  5. Fumonisins (FUM)

    Compromises gut integrity, impairs immune response, negatively impacts performance and can lead to problems in the liver, kidneys and lungs. FUM and DON are common co-occurring mycotoxins because they both originate from the same species of fungi, Fusarium. (11)

  6. Zearalenone (ZEN)

    Less potent in poultry than in swine but still affects fertility and breeder egg production, especially when paired with DON or FUM. (4, 6)

 

For poultry, AFLA, OTA and T-2/HT-2 are considered the highest-impact toxins, while DON, FUM and ZEN become important when multiple toxins stack together.

 

Types of Mycotoxin Binders and How They Work

There are several categories of binders used in poultry diets. Each interacts with mycotoxins in different ways depending on its structure, charge and binding surfaces.


The most common types of mycotoxin binders used in the U.S. poultry industry are silicates, which are inorganic binders, and yeast cell wall-based binders, which are organic binders.

 

Silicate binders can include bentonite clay, smectites or aluminosilicates. Other types of mycotoxin binders can include activated carbons or multi-component binders, which combine two or more types of binders for a broader range of mycotoxin interactions.


IntegraFlo is Ralco’s silicate-based feed additive that manages the harmful effects of mycotoxins in the bird or animal and helps protect overall health through the use of vitamins and minerals. Its unique structure and proprietary blend allow maximum effectiveness against mycotoxins without also binding important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids that other binders tend to do.


Here's a quick video on how IntegraFlo works and what's inside:



A study conducted at the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory evaluated IntegraFlo’s ability to adsorb selected mycotoxins. The binder was tested at inclusion levels equivalent to 2–8 lb./ton of feed.

 

The study reported:

  • AFLA: 100% adsorption at all tested inclusion rates, with no detectable desorption

  • ZEN: Approximately 60–80% binding at the upper inclusion rate

  • OTA: Approximately 40–60% binding at the upper inclusion rate

  • DON: Approximately 50% binding at the upper inclusion rate

 

These findings reflect binding behavior and demonstrate adsorption across several structurally different mycotoxins.

 

In another study conducted using broiler chicks, IntegraFlo’s effectiveness was evaluated against multiple co-occurring mycotoxins.

 

Chicks were fed poor quality corn containing a diverse mycotoxin challenge. This is similar to what is seen in the field, where instead of one toxin we see combinations of DON and ALFA and larger amounts of ZEN and T-2 toxin. To combat this challenge, a dose response of Integraflo was evaluated with product concentration ranging from 2-8 lbs. per ton. 

 

Linear responses were observed for feed intake and body weight. This means that as more Integraflo is added, up to 8 lbs./ton, broiler feed intake increased. Body weight gain followed, with increasing weight as IntegraFlo dose increased. Mycotoxins challenges can reduce feed intake, so any mitigation of this challenge can help maintain adequate feed intake patterns. This improved intake allows the bird to fully maximize the nutritional program and maintain body weight gain throughout the production period. 

 

Building a Poultry-Focused Mycotoxin Strategy

The most successful poultry operations take a layered, proactive approach rather than relying on a single tactic. Many choose to keep a broad-spectrum approach such as IntegraFlo in the diet year-round to help manage everyday background contamination.

 

When ingredient testing shows elevated levels of specific toxins like DON, FUM or T-2, additional tools, including enzymes, yeast extracts or select probiotics, can be added to address those targeted challenges.

 

Regular testing of high-risk ingredients also helps identify where problems may arise before they show up in the flock. Just as important is watching flock indicators closely because drops in feed intake and the presence of oral lesions can often appear before performance loss is noticeable and can signal increasing toxin pressure.

 

The goal isn’t to eliminate mycotoxins completely, it’s to keep exposure low enough that birds aren’t absorbing levels that impact health or production.

 

Ralco Can Help Protect Your Flock

Whether you’re concerned about a current challenge or want added protection, Ralco can help review your ingredients, interpret test results and recommend a mycotoxin strategy that fits your operation! Ralco’s silicate-based binder, IntegraFlo, is designed to support feed quality when mycotoxins are present and is available for organic and non-organic production operations.


Want to Hear Poultry Nutritionists and Health Experts Discuss Mycotoxins?

Check out our latest Wing it Wisely podcast episode, where our team talks through today’s mycotoxin challenges and what they’re seeing in the field.


 



For mycotoxin testing or customized recommendations by a poultry nutritionist, call at 1-800-533-5306 or email us at PoultryHelp@RalcoAgriculture.com.

 


integraflo feed back. a mycotoxin binder for swine feed

IntegraFlo – Maintain Feed Quality 

IntegraFlo is a feed additive for use when feed quality concerns arise, helps restore vital nutrients and maintain health. 

  

BENEFITS 

  • Helps undesirable substances pass through the digestive system  

  • Helps restore vital nutrients  

  • Helps maintain health during times of challenge 

  

 




References

  1. Singson, B. “Fungal Disease in Corn Worsening Thanks to Heat and Humidity.” My Journal Courier, 2024.https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/fungal-disease-corn-worsening-thanks-heat-21030696.php

  2. “Mycotoxins and Their Effect on Poultry and Swine Production.” Penn State Extension.https://extension.psu.edu/mycotoxins-and-their-effect-on-poultry-and-swine-production

  3. Murugesan, G. R., et al. Prevalence and effects of mycotoxins on poultry health and production. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4988553/

  4. Kihal, M., et al. The efficacy of mycotoxin binders to control mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9685567/

  5. Zhang, X., et al. Mycotoxins in Feed: Hazards, Toxicology, and Plant Extract Mitigation.https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/15/4/219

  6. Gómez-Osorio, L.-M., et al. Mycotoxins and coccidiosis in poultry – co-occurrence, interaction, and effects. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1387856/full

  7. Fouad, A. M., & El-Metwally, A. E. (2019). Harmful Effects and Control Strategies of Aflatoxin B1 in Poultry: A Review. Toxins, 11(3), 138. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6468546/

  8. Bonerba, E., et al. “Ochratoxin A in Poultry Supply Chain: Overview of Feed, Poultry Exposure and Prevention.” Toxins, 2024. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/16/11/487

  9. Mycotoxicosis Caused by a Single Dose of T-2 Toxin or Diacetoxyscirpenol in Broiler Chicks.Veterinary Pathology, 18(5), 652–664, 1981.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/030098588101800510

  10. Tso, K.-H., et al. Enzyme degradation reagents effectively remove DON and ZEN in pig and poultry artificial digestive juices. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/11/10/599

  11. Guo, H. W., et al. (2021). Effects of compound probiotics and aflatoxin-degradation enzyme on broiler chickens. Poultry Science, 100(4), 102627. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7921234

  12. Efficacy of esterified glucomannan in preventing mycotoxicosis in broilers exposed to aflatoxin and ochratoxin A. Poultry Science, 82(4): 571–576. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/82.4.571

  13. Liu, J.D., Doupovec, B., Schatzmayr, D., Murugesan, G.R., Bortoluzzi, C., Villegas, A.M., & Applegate, T.J. The impact of deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, and their combination on performance, nutrient, and energy digestibility in broiler chickens. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119578725

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