New meta-analysis results show inclusion of yeast cell wall extract during mycotoxin challenges benefits egg production, could result in greater profitability

Findings also show that mycotoxins may negatively impact the body weight, egg production and egg weight of laying hens.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – A new study highlights the significant positive effects of yeast cell wall extract supplementation on layer performance during mycotoxin challenges, Alltech announced this week.

Published in March 2024 in the journal Toxins, “Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Yeast Cell Wall Extract Supplementation during Mycotoxin Challenges on the Performance of Laying Hens” demonstrated that the inclusion of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb^®, Alltech, Inc., KY) supplementation during mycotoxin challenges results in an increase in layers’ body weight by 12.5 grams(g), and a substantial increase in  egg production and egg weight by 4.2 percentage points and 1.37 g, respectively.

The meta-analysis showed that layers fed mycotoxins experienced lower body weight (by 50g), decreased egg production (by 6.3 percentage points), and reduced egg weight (by 1.95g) compared to control-fed birds. Economic analysis suggested that the inclusion of YCWE not only supported performance but could also result in a positive return on investment. Based on results from the meta-analysis, production and profitability calculations were made, resulting in: 

• +2.7 eggs per hens housed (HH) over 9.5 weeks 
• +29.7g edible protein output per HH  
• 4.65:1 ROI  

“To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first time a meta-analysis study has been conducted with laying hens which evaluates the influence of not only mycotoxins alone but also the use of a mycotoxin mitigation strategy on key performance parameters,” Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for the Alltech Technology Group team.

The meta-analysis assessed a total of 25 trials and the data was extracted from eight trials that met the inclusion criteria. These trials represented a total of 12 treatments and involved 1774 laying hens. The meta-analysis confirms that mycotoxin presence had an impact on body weight, egg production and egg weight and the role of YCWE mitigated the effects on egg production and quality, even at high mycotoxin levels. Therefore, the use of YCWE could contribute to increased edible protein output and increased farm economics during mycotoxin challenges.  

Overall, the meta-analysis underscores the importance of addressing mycotoxin challenges in layer production and highlights the potential role of YCWE in minimising these effects and enhancing profitability. 

 Backed by more than 40 years of scientific research, Alltech provides nutritional solutions and products that contribute to the success of the global animal health industry. This new study is a demonstration of Alltech’s continued commitment to delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture that deliver targeted health benefits while increasing productivity, enhancing animal welfare, reducing environmental impact and increasing producer profitability.

Click here to read the new meta-analysis on the effects of YCWE on layer production. For more information on Mycosorb, visit www.knowmycotoxins.com/mycotoxin-mitigation/mycosorb-a/.