To assess an operation’s mycotoxin risk, the mycotoxin type and concentration must first be determined. Mycotoxin testing types are generally classified into either rapid test methods or the more advanced laboratory-based detection. The primary rapid test methods include lateral flow devices (LFDs) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Of the lab-based methods used for mycotoxin analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLCMS/MS) are two of the most widely recognized.

The test method influences the risk assessment

As a greater number of mycotoxin types are analyzed, a better picture of the total mycotoxin risk can be determined. But what happens if a test only looks for a limited number of mycotoxins in the first place? Traditional mycotoxin guidelines that only consider one mycotoxin at a time are not always helpful for gaining a better understanding of the true risk of exposure for the animal.

This lack of information about the total risk is why the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team developed a tailored risk assessment method in 2012. Known as Risk Equivalent Quantity (REQ), this method provides feed and livestock producers with a unique way to identify the true risk associated with the presence of multiple mycotoxins in raw materials or finished feeds. Using the REQ value to compare the difference between assessing one mycotoxin, six mycotoxins or 54 mycotoxins, it is possible for producers to see how much they might be underestimating their risk if a test only analyzes the feed for a limited number of mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins in corn grain and the risk for monogastric animals

Based on samples analyzed by Alltech 37+ over a five-year period between 2018 and 2023 (Table 1), if aflatoxin (AF) was the only mycotoxin measured in the feed, the mycotoxin risk for sows would be underestimated by 96% (Figure 1). This makes sense, as aflatoxins were only detected in 9% of those samples, whereas other mycotoxins were detected more frequently.

In situations where the only option is to test for one mycotoxin, analyzing samples for deoxynivalenol (DON) is slightly better than analyzing for AF, as doing so led to an underestimation of 77% of the risk to sows. Still, there are many mycotoxins that are typically present in corn that are yet to be accounted for. When corn grain is analyzed for all six mycotoxins that can be detected through a rapid test method, the overall risk assessment is closer to what would be delivered by testing for an increased number of mycotoxins.

A similar underestimation of risk would occur for poultry. Using the same corn grain samples mentioned above, the risk assessment would be underestimated for broilers by 92% or 59% when the analysis only considered AF or DON, respectively (Figure 1), whereas an analysis of six mycotoxins reduces that risk underestimation to 21%. The presence of fusaric acid and other emerging mycotoxins would not be detected by rapid test methods, but many of the mycotoxins posing the greatest risk to pigs and poultry — such as DON, zearalenone and T-2/HT-2 — would be included.

Figure 1 – Differences in risk assessment in corn grain and corn silage (to broilers, sows and dairy cows)

Corn silage and dairy cows

Similar to grain, total mycotoxin risk assessment of corn silage can vary depending on the mycotoxins analyzed (Figure 1). In this case, assessment for only AF could result in a 99% underestimation of total risk for dairy cows, as AF was detected in only 9% of samples, with the majority of these containing very low concentrations (median <1 ppb). Sample analysis for only DON would be better — in this case, a 60% underestimation of total risk — but again, many key mycotoxin groups would not be detected. Assessment for 6 mycotoxins comes closer to the total risk assessed by the more advanced laboratory method, but this assessment in corn silage does not get as close to those results as the similar assessment in corn grain. This may be due to the higher occurrence and concentrations of mycotoxins such as fusaric acid, Penicillium mycotoxins and Aspergillus mycotoxins in corn silage.

Using readily available data, the comparisons in these examples were made using Alltech 37+ as the most comprehensive risk assessment method. This method identifies 54 individual mycotoxins. If other LMCS methods were used to identify an even greater number of mycotoxin types, the potential risk underestimation when only relying on rapid test methods would likely be amplified.

Mycotoxin testing plan

Although assessment of a limited number of mycotoxins by simpler analytical methods may not provide the full picture of an animal’s exposure to mycotoxins, these rapid test methods are still a valuable and accurate means of testing for mycotoxins. Many of these rapid test kits have been validated, with validation results published in scientific journals. The best mycotoxin management program is typically based on a combination of on-site rapid testing and laboratory-based analysis. Rapid tests can be used for routine testing where speed and cost are of concern, but periodic mycotoxin testing by laboratory-based methods can be used to learn about more complex mycotoxin mixtures.

Turning analysis into a control program

It is important to remember that at any point in time, the results of the average mycotoxin analysis can only show you a best-case scenario. In those cases, the mycotoxin levels will remain the same in the tested ingredient or ration — but they can continue to increase over time during storage. Equally, the total risk can be greater when multiple ingredient sources are brought together. Without knowing the full mycotoxin profile of a commodity or ration, developing a mycotoxin management program may be difficult. We also learned from the examples included above that analyzing samples for only one mycotoxin can lead to a significant underestimation of the total risk, even if the results for that particular mycotoxin type are accurate. Testing for a greater number of mycotoxins allows for the creation of a more accurate picture of the risk to the animal.

Determining the presence of multiple mycotoxins is important, but there may be a limit on the number of mycotoxins that can be assessed in a ration. More than 500 mycotoxin compounds have been identified, but it is sometimes not possible to routinely test for this number. Furthermore, it is still unknown how many of those mycotoxins impact animal performance and health. However, most mycotoxins are detrimental to animal performance, welfare and profitability.

To effectively combat the mycotoxin risk, a complete mycotoxin management program that focuses on identifying, quantifying and mitigating the risk level is needed. From a nutritional perspective, risk mitigation can be achieved directly within the animal through the use of Alltech’s Mycosorb® range of mycotoxin adsorbents, a family of products that contain yeast cell wall extract and can help to manage the collective mycotoxin challenge in the animal. Recently published meta-analyses with broilers and nursery and grow-finish pigs (Weaver et al., 2022; Weaver et al., 2023) reaffirm that when mycotoxins pose a problem, Mycosorb can play a role in improving performance, efficiency and livability. Mycosorb has even been linked to the improved environmental sustainability of broiler production.

To learn more about the tools and technologies offered by the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

References are available on request.

This blog post is an updated version of an article published in All About Feed on October 23, 2023.

“Agriculture is a key opportunity and solution to the climate change issues we’re seeing today,” said Kevin Ogorzalek to the audience at Alltech ONE Dubai, the final stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour in 2023.

Ogorzalek is a partner and the sustainability supply chain leader at Concord Agriculture Partners, which works to build bridges between farmers and brands with the mission of achieving shared sustainability goals. Over the course of his career, he has gained extensive experience in the areas of sustainable production, land use, and carbon across global agri-commodities and in multiple sectors.

His closing plenary talk at Alltech ONE Dubai addressed how climate change is impacting agriculture, how governance and compliance are influencing the food sector, and how agri-businesses can benefit from taking actions to mitigate climate change risk through carbon market opportunities.

Key drivers of sustainability efforts for agri-business

In the past year alone, climate change has cost the U.S. $1 billion. Recent flooding and other extreme weather events have highlighted the urgency for agri-businesses to address climate-related risks.

Ogorzalek noted six key drivers of sustainability efforts for dairy and animal feed customers:

1. Supply chain consistency: The brittleness of food supply chains, which was particularly exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for greater resilience and consistency.
2. Brand reputation: Brands are increasingly concerned about protecting their reputations, recognizing that many consumers now expect greater transparency in supply chains.
3. Regulatory frameworks: Growing regulatory pressures, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, are pushing agri-businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
4. Investor ESG requirements: Shareholders today require ESG reporting from their major investments.
5. Talent retention: Sustainable performance, including environmental responsibility, is becoming a key factor in retaining top talent within agri-business.
6. Value creation: Collaborative efforts between brands and supply chain partners can lead to improved overall performance and value chain enhancements.

Climate change impacts and risks

In his presentation at ONE Dubai, Ogorzalek introduced the concept of planetary boundaries by the Stockholm Resilience Centre, within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come (image 1). Crossing boundaries increases the risk of generating large-scale abrupt or irreversible environmental changes, according to the scientists who proposed the nine planetary boundaries.

Image 1: The 2023 update to the planetary boundaries

Source: Azote for Stockholm Resilience Centre, based on analysis in Richardson et al 2023

From a business perspective, there are risks to operations and supply chains, such as weakened production capacity, resource scarcity, new stakeholder demands, potential reduced demands for goods and services, and increased capital and operational costs.

“If we focus specifically on the planetary boundary of our climate, which will be addressed by the global community over the next several weeks, we can see that as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures are rising to all-time highs,” Ogorzalek said. “This year will be the hottest year ever recorded. And since 2014, eight of the hottest years ever recorded will have occurred.

“Now, these emissions are the result of the entire human enterprise. Often, one specific sector or another is singled out as being a contributor, but it’s going to take an entire collaborative approach as a global society to address these issues and bring our emissions down to net-zero by 2050,” he continued.

Acknowledging the severe drought in Brazil and Argentina and the resulting challenges in the animal feed sector, Ogorzalek outlined the interconnected risks, from water scarcity to reduced production capacity. He emphasized the need for agri-business to be proactive in managing these risks, especially by avoiding deforested areas when sourcing feed.

Global initiatives to reduce climate change impacts

Ogorzalek discussed global initiatives, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, and how they shape the commitments of the agri-business sector. The global commitment to ending deforestation and reducing methane emissions presents both challenges and opportunities for the dairy and animal feed industries.

“World leaders signed the Global Methane Pledge, which will reduce methane by 2030, a key opportunity for the dairy sector especially,” Ogorzalek said, adding that at COP28, “there will be specific discussions on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which is the overarching governing framework trading carbon credits.”

A map created by the World Bank in 2023 indicates that carbon markets are increasing in scope and scale, and also in regulations.

Carbon pricing dashboard | Up-to-date overview of carbon pricing initiatives

Summary map of regional, national and subnational carbon pricing initiatives

Carbon markets are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought. Compliance markets are created as a result of any national, regional and/or international policy or regulatory requirement. Voluntary carbon markets – national and international – refer to the issuance, buying and selling of carbon credits, on a voluntary basis.

International carbon markets can play a key role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively, according to the European Commission.

Many countries and jurisdictions are developing compliance carbon markets and levying taxes to bring down and contribute to each country’s individual, nationally determined contribution to the Paris Agreement.

In addition, the European Commission, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and the California Air Resources Board will all have regulations requiring businesses that operate within their jurisdictions to report on emissions, both of their own operations and of their supply chains.

Voluntary carbon market opportunities for agri-business

Ogorzalek also delved into the evolving landscape of voluntary carbon markets, noting the increasing importance of carbon credits. He highlighted the voluntary carbon market’s potential for agri-businesses to play a significant role in reducing methane, citing examples of over 6,000 companies committing to ending deforestation and engaging in carbon offsetting.

“There is a variety of quality in the carbon markets. There is also a lack of supply,” Ogorzalek said. “The Wall Street Journal is projecting that by 2030, 2 gigatons of carbon credits will be needed. However, based on current business practices, there will be only 700 million tons available. A significant portion of this gap can be made up by agri-business.” 

Significant voluntary market activities are happening in the Middle East:

• UAE’s Blue Carbon has arranged memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Liberia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe to purchase carbon rights in forests.
• 16 Saudi firms purchased 2.2 million MT of CO2 credits in Nairobi in June 2023.
• Saudi Arabia will launch its Greenhouse Gas Crediting and Offsetting Mechanism (GCOM) in 2024.
• ACX Ltd, based in Abu Dhabi, is the first fully regulated carbon exchange connected to the voluntary carbon market.

Ogorzalek outlined key opportunities for the dairy and animal feed sectors:

1. Efficiency and value creation: Driving efficiency in production while partnering with brands to improve environmental outcomes can create value for agri-businesses.
2. Transparency and innovation: Transparency in the supply chain, coupled with innovation in key areas such as feed sourcing, positions agri-businesses to be part of the solution.
3. Collaboration with banks and brands: Working with financial institutions and brands on pricing and financing solutions aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices.
4. Feed additives for methane reduction: Addressing methane emissions, a global priority, through the use of feed additives offers a tangible way for the animal agri-business sector to contribute positively.

The call to action

Ogorzalek concluded by challenging regional leaders in the agri-business sector to adopt practices that not only feed the world affordably but also create value while operating within safe planetary boundaries. His presentation underscored the urgency of collectively addressing climate change, emphasizing that the actions taken today will shape the future of agriculture and the planet.

In essence, Ogorzalek’s insightful talk serves as a call for the agri-business sector to engage proactively in sustainable practices, leverage emerging opportunities, and play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on global food systems.

How are climate challenges shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s dairy industry? Join Andrew Oddy, herds director at Al Safi Danone, as he shares insights on the Ag Future podcast from #AlltechONE Dubai. With over four decades of expertise, Andrew delves into the region’s progress and how feed efficiency, renewable energy and artificial intelligence are playing a major role in the future of dairy sustainability and profitability.

The following is an edited transcript of the Ag Future podcast episode with Andrew Oddy hosted by Tom Martin. Click below to hear the full audio or listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts.

Tom:                       I’m Tom Martin, and joining me from the United Arab Emirates at the Alltech ONE World Tour stop in Dubai is Andrew Oddy, whose impressive career spans nearly four decades working with some of the world’s largest dairy farms in the Middle East and Africa, co-authoring published papers on heat stress, cow comfort, and milking in collaboration with Kansas State University and Arizona State University in the U.S. Today, Andrew serves as the herds director for the farming operations of Al Safi Danone, a leading dairy brand that has become a household name in Saudi Arabia. Welcome to the podcast, Andrew. 

Andrew:                  Thank you very much.

Tom:                       Your extensive career in the dairy industry is truly remarkable. And considering that wealth of experience, could you give us an overview of the major changes that you’ve witnessed in herd management throughout your nearly four-decade career? 

Andrew:                  Well, it’s not just the herd management, it’s the whole aspect of Saudi Arabia, because when I came to Saudi Arabia first, it was 1982. And there were very little structures in Riyadh and especially Al Kharj. So the dairy industry in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia at that time, nobody really knew what the aspects were, what the challenges were, and it was a very steep learning curve that we went through to develop cow comfort to the extent that we have developed it now. And even now, we’re still learning new techniques, new ways of doing things. So it is a challenge all the time, and it’s a learning curve for everybody in the industry in the Gulf region at the present time.

Tom:                       As the dairy industry in the UAE experiences significant growth, what are some key differences in running a dairy operation in the UAE compared to more established dairy regions like the United States or Ireland? 

Andrew:                  The dairy industry only really started in the Middle East around the 1975 era. So dairy farming in the West, in the United States and Europe, has been developed for many hundred years. So we were learning really from Stage 1, the heat is a big factor for us in Saudi Arabia. And over the last three years, we have been experiencing high humidity due to the changing climate as well. And humidity is really a killer compared to the heat. The dry heat everybody can handle. But when you get dry heat and humidity with temperature THI of around about 90 to 100, then it is really hot. 

Tom:                       Well, with COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, now underway in Dubai, and the global push for emissions reduction outlined in the Paris Agreement, how has the dairy industry evolved to contribute to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees?

Andrew:                  This year, we’ve experienced a 2°C increase in temperature over the June, July, August, September period. As I said, the dry heat is something we can cope with, but the dairy industry itself in the Middle East is moving to give a good carbon footprint reduction in the area. Like with Al Safi, we’re looking at biogas solutions. We’re looking at solar panels to reduce the use of fossil fuels. There are also ways that we’re looking at controlling the cows to reduce their emittance as well. So everybody is working really hard now in the dairy industry in the Middle East to achieve the goals that have been set upon us. I mean, I work for Al Safi Danone. Danone made a statement that in six years’ time, they want to reduce the carbon emissions by at least 30% in all their enterprises. 

Tom:                       These sustainability efforts vary across regions. What specific challenges do you encounter in your role at Al Safi Danone, and what technologies are being implemented to address these challenges in the pursuit of sustainability and efficiency as well? 

Andrew:                  All our cattle is genomically tested to find out exactly what the potentials are. There’s also a new test that is coming through on the genomics now where we can test through the tissues how much methane is going to be emitted from the cows and which are the superior cows which will emit waste methane, to come into the dairy herd and try and reduce this.

                               We’re using different technologies. There’s some feed now that is on the market which can give up to a 30% reduction in remittance as well. 

Tom:                       While sustainability is a crucial focus, profitability remains essential. Can you shed light on the role that feed efficiency plays in ensuring the profitability of dairy operations, considering the various sustainability practices in place?

Andrew:                  Over the last four years, we’ve reduced our feed wastage by nearly 4%. If you take the American average of 10%, we’re between 5% and 6% at the present time. And we still have a ways to go where we can reduce it more if the conditions are right.

Tom:                       Artificial intelligence is permeating various industries. How has AI found its way onto the dairy farm, and in what ways is it impacting or optimizing operations within Al Safi Danone?

Andrew:                  We have some new technology, which is, we’re the only dairy farm in the world outside the U.S. which is using this technology at the moment, which is a camera ID system. It used to be called Compass. Now it’s got a new name, Evergreen. And we have it set up in one unit, and it’s doing facial ID and number ID of the cattle that it’s monitoring. And this is a new way of looking at how management can improve and come and get the best out of this system. So this system at the moment is very new. It’s still in development, but it tells us the feeding times of the cows, when the operator will feed, when he pushes up the feed, if there is any empty space on the bunk that needs to have additional feed. This is all done through the camera system.

                               In the future, it will give us a lot more help on animal welfare and health. It will be able to monitor or inform us of cows, sick cows, cows that are going to calve. And the latest piece of technology coming out of this is that within 24 hours of the cow coming to estrus, we’ll have information, and we can nail that cow and get her in calf hopefully very quickly and improve our conception and fertility.

Tom:                       This sounds very interesting. Perhaps we can circle back around later in the year and find out how things have gone with this technology. 

Andrew:                  Yes, we can. No problem. 

Tom:                       Andrew Oddy, herds director at Al Safi Danone in Saudi Arabia. Thank you so much, Andrew. 

Andrew:                  You are welcome. Thank you. Take care. 

Carlos Galvan of Weltzien Farms in Arcadia, Wisconsin, is this year’s award recipient

[JUNEAU, Wis.] – Alltech Wisconsin is pleased to present the 2023 Most Valuable Employee (MVE) Award to Carlos Galvan of Weltzien Farms in Arcadia, Wisconsin. This award recognizes the value of a dairy farm employee with an exceptional work ethic who exhibits integrity and who engages in their responsibilities on a dairy farm in the region, which includes Wisconsin, Minnesota and northern Illinois. Nominations are made by a farm manager, dairy owner, farm consultant or nutritionist based on qualities such as perseverance, honesty and integrity. The finalists were honored during the annual Alltech Dairy School on Thursday, Nov. 30, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“Alltech is proud to honor Carlos as this year’s Most Valuable Employee Award winner for his hard work and dedication to Weltzien Farms for the past 17 years,” said Jorge Delgado, manager of the Alltech Training, Talent Development and Retention Program for Dairy Workers (Alltech T²R Program). “This award is designed to recognize the people behind the cows and their exceptional work ethic and integrity, and Carlos is most deserving of this honor.”

Carlos was nominated by his employer, Collin Weltzien of Weltzien Farms, and has been working on the Weltziens’ family farm for 17 years. He joined the operation as a milker when they made the shift to milking 180 cows three times per day. Carlos still milks the morning shift, and his role has evolved to that of a “jack of all trades,” as he handles many tasks on the farm.

“I cherish the opportunity to work alongside Carlos every day, and it’s because of the quality employee that Carlos is. Our family can go to bed every night with peace of mind knowing that our cows, land and machinery are being treated in the best manner possible,” Collin said. “Thank you for this opportunity to recognize the most important asset on a dairy farm, its people. Nobody deserves it more than Carlos.”

Collin shared in his nomination that Carlos is a dedicated employee and is always in the parlor ready to work when he arrives in the morning. Collin said he is in awe of how fast Carlos can milk cows, and even more impressed with his attention to cleanliness and detail. Carlos follows fresh cow and mastitis protocols and has a keen sense for detecting sick cows and cows in heat. Collin also recognized that Carlos is an expert with the parlor equipment and often manages the cleaning, repair and maintenance projects.  

Carlos’ expertise can also be found outside the parlor. He commonly mixes feed, helps to feed calves, and helps with field work wherever needed, from hauling manure to raking hay, hauling silage, and even running the chopper from time to time. Carlos is also very skilled in the shop. He services most of the tractors and implements and will perform repairs on tractors and machinery, in the freestall barn and in the feed room. Simply put, Carlos can do it all.

The other finalists honored during the Alltech Dairy School included Autumn Wozny from UW– Platteville Pioneer Farm and Pete Poet from Abts Champion Dairy.

“The best employees add value to the dairy by thriving in their roles, maintaining their responsibilities, creating a safe and positive work environment for their coworkers, and speaking highly of their employers, both on and off the farm,” Delgado said. “When dairy farms and their employees develop long-term relationships and celebrate each other’s hard work, everyone involved reaps valuable benefits.”

For more information about the Alltech Wisconsin MVE award, visit this link or contact AlltechWisconsin@alltech.com.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Variable weather has once again dominated crop quality and mycotoxin contamination patterns in Europe, with a distinct split between northern and southern regions. The Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis has collected and assessed over 1,100 grain and forage samples from more than 20 different countries, and the results show an overall higher-risk mycotoxin year in Europe in 2023. While Europe enjoyed a reprieve this growing season from the extreme drought conditions of the past 2–3 years, rains that fell close to harvest in northern and western Europe caused delays in harvesting that created ideal conditions for mould and mycotoxin development.

Mycotoxins are produced by certain species of moulds and are a concern for livestock producers as they can influence feed quality and subsequent animal health and performance. The Alltech European Harvest Analysis, a decade-long initiative, is a comprehensive step in understanding the complexities of new-crop quality, mycotoxin prevalence and the threat that mycotoxins pose to animals and producers. To determine the most accurate representation of mycotoxin risk across Europe, Alltech has again collaborated with SGS, a global leader in mycotoxin testing and certification. Their expert testing, along with testing by the independently accredited Alltech 37+® laboratory in Ireland, which can detect up to 54 individual mycotoxins, has captured a highly accurate and robust set of new-crop mycotoxin data across 20 countries in Europe.  

‘’In contrast to recent years, it is excessive rain rather than drought that has been the primary driver of mycotoxin risk in Europe,” said Dr. Radka Borutova, European technical support manager with the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team. “The delayed harvest in northern and western regions has created particular problems in small grains and forages across this region, while further south, corn crops have fared much better than last year, although, as we always try to highlight, low risk does not mean no risk.’’

Key insights from the Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis include:

• Persistent rains close to harvesting have led to significant Fusarium-related challenges in wheat and barley crops across northern and western Europe.

• Barley shows the highest risk of the small grains, with an average of six mycotoxins per sample.

• In general, the mycotoxin challenge in corn is lower in 2023 than in recent years. However, there are still pockets of higher risk in central and southern Europe.

• The Penicillium risk continues to dominate in forages. In particular, grass silage in the UK and Ireland is heavily contaminated and presents an ongoing management challenge for dairy producers there.

Corn

Aflatoxin challenges arising from drought-stricken corn have dominated the mycotoxin picture in Europe in recent years, so growers were thankful not to suffer the same fate in 2023. However, it was still not a perfect growing season.

More than 700 new-crop corn samples were analysed this year, and results showed aflatoxins were detected in almost 70% of samples from central and southern Europe, with average levels of 6 ppb. However, most of the risk in corn is coming from Fusarium mycotoxins such as zearalenone, deoxynivalenol (DON) and T2-HT2 toxins. Ochratoxin was more prevalent this year than in 2022, with average levels detected of 28 ppb. The overall corn risk is deemed low to moderate when Alltech’s REQ metric is applied.

Wheat and barley

New-crop samples of wheat and barley typically originated in countries across northern and western Europe. Conditions in this region deteriorated badly around mid-June, and from then onwards, unsettled weather caused havoc with harvest dates, resulting in crops standing much longer in the field than they usually would. The combination of wet and humid conditions with a delayed harvest resulted in the ideal conditions for Fusarium moulds to thrive.

This has directly manifested in elevated levels of mycotoxins in these small grains, with barley posing particular problems. Although specific reasons are unidentified, barley is much higher risk than wheat, and contains almost double the number of mycotoxins per sample.

Penicillium mycotoxins are not something we would typically associate with small grains at harvest time, but they have been more commonly detected this year, possibly due to the extremely challenging field conditions. Emerging mycotoxins are the most common groups detected across both ingredients, but the most risk is coming from type B trichothecenes. In barley, average levels of this group were at 922 ppb, with an extraordinary maximum of almost 29,000 ppb detected in one Finnish sample.

Forages

Although the Penicillium challenge has been the dominant talking point with forages over the past few years, it is worth comparing the mycotoxin profiles and primary risk drivers in corn silage and grass silage.

As with most ingredients, emerging mycotoxins are most prominent. However, in corn silage, type B trichothecenes are present in over 95% of samples, with average levels of 1,561 ppb, amplifying the risk. In comparison, grass silage is facing the greatest risk from Penicillium mycotoxins, with average levels of 338 ppb and an occurrence above 62%. Dr. Borutova has noted that when both of these ingredients are included in a total mixed ration (TMR) diet, this can create an even greater risk for dairy or beef animals.

The late harvest in northern and western Europe amplified the challenge in straw that was lying on the ground for a prolonged length of time. The 60 straw samples submitted to the lab this year were, as in recent years, heavily contaminated with emerging mycotoxins and type B trichothecenes. Average levels of type B trichothecenes were almost 1,500 ppb. This is something for livestock producers to be aware of wherever straw is being used either as bedding or as a feed material.

The Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis demonstrates that mycotoxins are an ongoing, dynamic issue that livestock producers need to manage. Although testing directly post harvest provides an overview of regional contamination patterns, what happens before the animal receives the feed — including storage conditions post harvest and feeding practices on-farm — can influence what the animal will actually be ingesting in terms of mycotoxins. To best manage this ongoing challenge, producers should consider a routine testing program that can uncover the specific risks. With this information, informed choices can be made on what mitigation strategies are necessary to support the health and performance of the animals. 

To access the complete report, as well as a series of videos that provide further species-specific insights, visit Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis. For more information about Alltech Mycotoxin Management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

[LEXINGTON, Kentucky] — Alltech, a leading global animal health and nutrition company, has been awarded a silver medal from EcoVadis — putting it in the top 25% of sustainable companies globally. The EcoVadis silver medal testifies to Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM and its commitment to prioritizing the efficient production of nutritious food while minimizing environmental impact, implementing environmentally and economically sustainable solutions, promoting fair labor practices and fostering ethical business conduct. 

Alltech has also earned the EcoVadis platinum medal for its production site in Springfield, Kentucky, USA, which puts it in the top 1% of the over 200,000 businesses assessed by EcoVadis. Alltech Coppens, which produces industrial feeds for the aquaculture sector, earned gold-medal status, putting it in the top 7% of sustainable companies globally.

“We are delighted to have received multiple EcoVadis medals, as an external endorsement of Alltech’s ongoing commitment to the journey that is sustainability,” said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech.

EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, intelligence and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains. Backed by a powerful technology platform and a global team of domain experts, EcoVadis assesses companies on environmental, social and ethical performance in over 200 purchasing categories and 175 countries.

“At Alltech, we see opportunities in every challenge. We are dedicated to delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions to advance the health and performance of animals while also lowering their impact on the environment,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “These awards from EcoVadis recognize the actions we are taking to align our business with our Planet of Plenty purpose — working together to provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.”

Earlier this year, Alltech released its 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report, which demonstrates the actions the company is taking to align the business with its commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the U.N. Ten Principles and the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the report outlines the steps Alltech has taken to promote an inclusive work environment and highlights its team members’ efforts to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work.

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

The Alltech ONE World Tour (ONE), a series of international events bringing the ideas and inspiration of the annual Alltech ONE Conference to the world, resumed today in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. ONE Dubai welcomed international attendees to explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry in the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

For the past 38 years, the Alltech ONE Conference has been held in Lexington, Kentucky, the home of Alltech’s global headquarters. In 2023, however, the company — a global leader in the field of agriculture — is bringing the conference to its partners, customers, suppliers and friends around the world, providing the opportunity for more people than ever to experience the power of ONE.

“As our customers and partners continue to face many challenges and uncertainties, we determined that 2023 would be dedicated to meeting them in their markets,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “This special edition of the ONE endeavors to deliver global expertise to locally relevant issues. In the midst of economic and political uncertainties that fuel regionalization, this ONE reflects the responsibility we have as a global company to be a connector of people and ideas, ever advancing our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

Alltech ONE Dubai features discussions led by local and international experts about the latest trends in sustainable agricultural, animal nutrition and business, including presentations from Dr. Lyons; Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech; Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, founding partner at Soma Mater; and Gerald Kiernan, general manager of dairy farms, Emirates Food Industries (EFI).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Lyons welcomed delegates to Dubai to discuss agriculture’s role in saving the planet.

“Agriculture can transform things in ways that other industries cannot and we are at the interface of nourishing the present and preserving the future,” he said. “Our belief is that agriculture has the greatest potential to positively influence the future of our planet, provide nutrition for all, help rural communities thrive and replenish our planet’s resources.”

Alltech recently released the results of the Alltech Sustainability Insights report, and McCarthy discussed those findings in further detail during her presentation.

“Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption yet remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system,” she said. “The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi focused on how the UAE is making food and agriculture systems more equitable, accessible and sustainable.

"For the National Farms Sustainability Initiative, it wasn’t enough to have our own farms start, but to ensure that we start with sustainability in mind,” he said. “Today, more than ever, consumers want to see sustainability in all their products, including their food.”

Kiernan spoke about Alltech’s and EFI’s recent Planet of Plenty™ partnership with National Dairy Farms and Masakin Dairy Farms, two prominent companies owned by EFI, to bring leading-edge carbon footprint benchmarking and methane-reducing technologies to the Middle East.

“With growing concerns about climate change, companies worldwide are under increasing pressure to adopt eco-conscious practices,” said Kiernan. “As industry leaders, National and Masakin recognize the importance of curbing greenhouse gas emissions and setting new sustainability benchmarks.”

Kiernan’s comments were echoed by Paul McVeigh, regional manager for Alltech in the Middle East.

“The solidification of many years of collaboration with EFI in a Planet of Plenty Partnership represents the goals of the wider global Alltech family,” said McVeigh. “This partnership illustrates what is possible in the Middle East region when companies join forces toward a single goal, and we are dedicated to supporting them with the best available nutritional technologies to achieve more milk while reducing their environmental footprint.”

As ONE Dubai continues, delegates will hear from industry experts on various topics, including ruminant and poultry sessions focused on mycotoxin management, calf nutrition, dairy farming waste management, egg quality and mineral management, as well as carbon policies.

The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue with international stops in 2024, uniting changemakers and thought leaders throughout the global ag value chain to explore opportunities for agriculture. For more information and to register for an Alltech ONE World Tour stop, visit one.alltech.com.

Alltech, a leading global animal health and nutrition company, is celebrating 30 years of operations in Brazil and Peru. Alltech’s foundation and growth in South America is linked to the vision of its late founder, Dr. Pearse Lyons, to support the success of agricultural producers and improve the health and performance of the animal, consumer and environment through nutrition and scientific innovation.

“My father saw a lot of potential when he visited South America in the early 1990s,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “He understood that countries like Brazil and Peru would become key markets for agriculture and established our offices. Over the past 30 years, we have continued our development through new investments, construction of new manufacturing plants, acquisitions and organic growth.”

Brazil is the company’s third-largest market in the world and is home to six manufacturing facilities and 1,356 team members. Dr. Mark Lyons led the team in Brazil during construction of Alltech’s largest yeast fermentation plant for animal and agricultural nutrition. Located in São Pedro do Ivaí, Paraná, the plant began operating in 2007 and exports products to 80 countries. Today with 270 employees, the facility produces yeast solutions (Mycosorb®, Bio-Mos®, Actigen®, Nupro®, Bioplex® and Sel-Plex®), organic acids, non-protein nitrogen (Optigen®) and other blends. In 2022, it received the “A” certification of the Paraná Climate Seal from the state government for voluntarily reducing its carbon footprint and adhering to the State Public Registry of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions to combat climate change.

Alltech Crop Science, initially called Improcrop, started its activities in Brazil in 2000. In 2016, the Alltech Crop Science plant in Uberlândia, MG was launched. Alltech Brazil continued to expand and in 2018, the administrative headquarters of Alltech Brazil, which had operated in Araucária, in Greater Curitiba, was transferred to Maringá, Paraná. Then in 2019, Alltech acquired Guabi, a producer of high-quality feed and premix for a variety of species at four manufacturing facilities in Brazil.

“We started as an innovative company in a consolidated market, but we grew along with Brazil’s search for the international market,” said Paulo Rigolin, Alltech’s vice president for Latin America. “Alltech’s culture fits very well with the Brazilian one; we have learned how to use technologies and global knowledge to adapt to the reality of our customers. It is a very successful story.” 

Alltech began operations in Peru in June 1993, in an office located in the Lima district of Miraflores with four employees. Today, this team has grown to 17 top-level professionals, who are responsible for meeting the needs of Peruvian agricultural producers, both in terms of optimizing animal nutrition and health and maximizing crop yields. Alltech Crop Science began its commercial activities in Peru in 2018. Today, these solutions help address the main challenges of local farmers in the production of blueberries, grapes, avocados, among other products.

"We are very pleased to have supported Peruvian producers over the past 30 years to address their main challenges through Alltech solutions and services that are backed by more than 40 years of research and proven effectiveness," said Luiz Folgate, general manager of Alltech Peru. "Today's challenges for the industry are increasingly diverse, complex and unpredictable, so we will continue to contribute to a more efficient agriculture sector and Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™."

“We are celebrating the first 30 years, but we are already thinking about the next 30 years and the opportunities to continue supporting Brazilian and Peruvian agribusinesses as they positively impact the communities in which we live and work,” said Dr. Mark Lyons. “We export our technologies globally, but we are also very well aligned with the needs of local producers, providing natural solutions and supporting them to be competitive in the world market.”

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

Acutia Gut Health joins a line of human health supplements designed

to support sustainable wellness

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – As both the scientific community and consumers continue to recognize the significance of gut health and its impact on overall wellness, Acutia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alltech, has announced the launch of Acutia Gut Health. The daily supplement combines the synergistic power of a postbiotic, a prebiotic and L-glutamine to relieve digestive upset quickly and promote good gut health over time.

Acutia Gut Health provides multiple benefits that include:

• Working quickly to help calm digestive upset
• Supporting overall digestive and colon health
• Supporting a healthy gut barrier and gut immunity
• Promoting a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive system
   

“We are excited to introduce a supplement that supports gut health from several angles, rather than targeting just one specific issue,” said Nikki Putnam Badding, MS, RDN, LD, managing director and chief dietitian at Acutia.  

“Not only does a healthy gut microbiota help improve digestion and nutrient absorption, but it also supports the immune system, metabolic health, brain function and mental health via the gut-brain axis,” said Putnam Badding. “Acutia Gut Health is a natural addition to our line of supplements and our commitment to supporting people in their pursuit of sustainable wellness.”    

While the wider supplement industry grapples with the issue of waste from packaging, Acutia promotes sustainability through its unique packaging and refill system, which empowers customers to reduce their waste and recycle. When placing an order, customers have the option to receive a complimentary starter kit that includes a refillable glass storage jar and a refillable travel container, thereby helping to reduce the usage of single-use plastic. The capsules are provided in compostable pouches and envelopes made of post-consumer waste, and the kit itself is packaged in a recyclable box that is made from partially recycled material and certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).  

To offset emissions from shipping, Acutia partners with Nori to reward regenerative farming practices that sequester carbon in the soil. In 2022, Acutia supported the removal of 116.3 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Acutia initially launched in March 2021, when Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, announced that it was applying its more than 40 years of scientific innovation and proven nutrition expertise to human health.

“Digestive health plays a pivotal role in immune function and overall health, and it has long been a focus of Alltech’s research,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Acutia’s supplements leverage decades of our pioneering research and proven scientific expertise to advance human nutrition. It is immensely gratifying to utilize our understanding of the gut microbiome to support people in their pursuit of improved wellness through Acutia Gut Health.”

Acutia’s portfolio of supplements also includes Acutia Selenium, which supports the immune system, helps protect cells from free radicals as an antioxidant and aids healthy thyroid function. Additionally, Acutia Brain Health promotes cognitive health and brain function by supporting the synthesis of neurotransmitters while also providing antioxidant benefits and essential nutrients by combining selenium, vitamin C and plant-based omega-3 DHA.

Acutia prioritizes the quality, efficacy and sustainability of ingredients and is supported by the Alltech Life Sciences division, which conducts research on digestive health, cognitive health, brain function and cellular health.

For more information, visit acutia.com.

Agri-food leaders around the world believe the industry can work together to create a better, more sustainable food system, according to the Alltech Sustainability Insights report, released today.

Alltech conducted a global, industry-wide survey to gather insights on the issues that matter most to the agri-food value chain and its stakeholders. In collaboration with Opinions, an independent research agency based in Ireland, Alltech collected insights through 26 interviews with industry leaders and via a comprehensive survey completed by more than 2,500 members of the agri-food industry. This effort presented an exciting opportunity to quantify attitudes and perceptions about sustainability from stakeholders across the agri-food value chain and identify tangible actions to build a more sustainable future.

“Our goal was to listen to the voices of our industry and its stakeholders and develop a robust, future-facing program of insights that are relevant, ambitious and genuinely impactful,” said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech. “Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption, yet it remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system. The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

The survey questions were focused on five areas: challenges and opportunities; drivers and priorities; attitudes toward change; support and guidance; and who they believe is going to pay for sustainability. The key findings of the survey include:

• While four out of five respondents agree that “climate change will make food production much more difficult in the future,” perspectives differ across the regions. A very real series of crises faces the agri-food industry and, for the most part, survey respondents acknowledged the gravity of those challenges and the fragility of our food system. There is a strong level of optimism and positivity however, with 85% of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.
   
• Almost three in four respondents reported feeling that a lot more guidance is needed to support their improvements in environmental sustainability. The need for guidance is expressed most strongly at the latter end of the value chain (e.g., retailers, food-service operators and manufacturers).
   
• Most respondents agree that regulation is putting pressure on all areas of the supply chain. Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat: 66% agree that until the farmer is incentivized financially, things will never change.
   
• Many recognize that we will not be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92% of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.
   
• There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93% of respondents agreeing that we all must work together to create a better food system for the future.

“Our industry is navigating extraordinary times, but the opportunities for positive impact are even more unprecedented,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Imagine what is possible when we all work toward the shared goals of providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies and replenishing the planet’s natural resources.”

For more information and survey results, visit alltech.com/sustainability-insights.