Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Laxit Kachhadia, Shrikant B Katole and Nishant Patel

Abstract:
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that can contaminate livestock feeds, posing a significant threat to animal health and productivity. Mycotoxin-detoxifying agents, such as binders and enzymes, have been developed to mitigate the negative effects of mycotoxin exposure in livestock. Binders, such as clays and activated charcoal, work by binding mycotoxins in the gut and preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. Enzymes, on the other hand, break down mycotoxins into non-toxic metabolites that can be excreted from the body. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these detoxifying agents in reducing mycotoxin toxicity in livestock, with improvements observed in feed intake, weight gain, and immune function. However, further research is needed to optimize their use in different animal species and under different environmental conditions. Overall, mycotoxin-detoxifying agents represent a promising strategy for mitigating the negative impact of mycotoxins on animal health and productivity.