Mycotoxins in Monogastric Animal Nutrition: A Review of the Threats and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Mycotoxins are low-molecular-weight secondary metabolites produced by various fungal species that threaten the health and productivity of monogastric and companion animals. Major mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, and zearalenone, contaminate raw ingredients and finished feeds globally. Even at low concentrations, mycotoxins can cause mycotoxicosis, while higher concentrations induce acute toxicity, organ damage, immunosuppression, reduced performance, and mortality, resulting in significant economic losses. More crucially, climate change is shifting the impact on the occurrence and geographical distribution of mycotoxins, as rising temperatures and humidity keep promoting fungal growth and toxin production in feed and food systems. This rising contamination contributes significantly to global economic losses by reducing animal performance, compromising feed quality, and increasing mitigation costs. Therefore, preventing mycotoxin contamination requires comprehensivestrategies, including good agricultural practices, timely and controlled harvesting, and proper storage conditions to minimize fungal growth. Additionally, advancements in biotechnological applications, such as the development of mycotoxin-degrading enzymes, genetically engineered microorganisms capable of detoxifying mycotoxins, and the use of toxin binders, provide innovative tools to mitigate mycotoxin contamination. Such proactive measures are essential for safeguarding animal health, ensuring productivity, and reducing economic losses associated with mycotoxin exposure. This current review examines the effects of mycotoxins on monogastric and companion animals and highlights emerging threats alongside modern preventive strategies.