Mycotoxins Found in Poultry Feed Ingredients Worldwide, Including the U.S.
A new global study from DSM-Firmenich is raising concerns about mycotoxins in animal feed ingredients, including ingredients commonly used in U.S. poultry feed.
The company analyzed thousands of feed ingredient samples collected from around the world and found that many contained multiple mycotoxins at the same time. According to the report, contamination levels were especially concerning in corn and corn byproducts, which are major ingredients in poultry diets.
What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds and fungi. These molds can grow on grains and feed ingredients:
in the field before harvest,
during storage,
or when feed becomes damp and warm.
Common grains affected include:
corn,
wheat,
and other cereal grains.
Even if feed looks normal, mycotoxins may still be present because the toxins themselves are invisible.
Why Poultry Keepers Should Care
Mycotoxins can affect poultry in several ways depending on the type and amount present. Birds may show:
poor growth,
weak immune systems,
reduced egg production,
lower hatchability,
poor shell quality,
or increased disease susceptibility.
In severe cases, mycotoxins can damage the liver, kidneys, and intestines.
One of the challenges is that symptoms are often vague. Birds may simply “not thrive,” leading many breeders to suspect nutrition, genetics, or disease before considering feed contamination.
Multiple Mycotoxins in One Feed
The study emphasized that many feed samples contained more than one mycotoxin at the same time.
This is important because combinations of toxins may create a greater effect together than a single toxin alone. Even when each toxin is below a dangerous level individually, multiple toxins together may still stress the bird.
The report highlighted concerns about:
fumonisins,
DON (vomitoxin),
zearalenone,
and trichothecenes.
Corn-based feeds were identified as a major risk area.
Does This Include the United States?
The study included samples from North America, including the United States. DSM-Firmenich regularly tests feed ingredients from U.S. poultry and livestock production systems.
North America was identified as having elevated risk levels for several major mycotoxins commonly associated with corn.
What Poultry Breeders Can Do
While complete elimination of mycotoxins is difficult, poultry keepers can reduce risk by:
storing feed in cool, dry conditions,
avoiding wet or moldy feed,
buying fresh feed regularly instead of storing large amounts long-term,
monitoring birds closely for unexplained performance declines,
and working with reputable feed suppliers.
Some commercial operations also use mycotoxin binders or detoxifying additives in feed, especially during years with poor crop conditions.
The Bigger Picture
Mycotoxins are not a new problem, but researchers believe weather swings, humidity, crop stress, and storage conditions continue to increase contamination risks worldwide.
For poultry breeders, hatcheries, and backyard keepers alike, feed quality remains one of the most overlooked parts of flock health. Even excellent genetics and incubation practices can be undermined if birds are consuming contaminated feed over time.