More than 500 mycotoxins are presently known and can be found in different amount on almost all field derived feedstuffs. The rates of pollution (contamination) depend on climate, cultural practices and kinds of moulds infecting plants. Agronomic and storage practices also can increase the contamination. Mycotoxins are chemically stable and vary widely in chemical composition; therefore, more than one strategy is required to protect the animal from mycotoxins. BIOMIN is the market leader in mycotoxin risk management trough a complex of binding, biological selective and definitive degradation and detoxifying action. The combination of thoroughly tested bentonites and unique biological components work together to provide the maximum protection against a range of mycotoxins common to pig feed. Aflatoxins, Fusarium, Ochratoxin, Zearalenone and Trichothecenes are the mycotoxins which most commonly affect pig health and performance. Examples of mycotoxicoses include damage to the liver, lungs, kidneys, ovaries, and lymph nodes. Depressed feed intake and inflammation of gut tissues result in reduced health and performance. Reproductive problems in both males and females can also be seen with mycotoxin challenges. Not all mycotoxins are adsorbed by binders; hence, the combination of a highly effective binder with the unique biological components (enzymes) provides the most effective mycotoxin risk management. Bindable mycotoxins must have polar sites suitably located to be adsorbed by a binder. Many mycotoxins have polar sites, but they are not situated where they can be adsorbed. Aflatoxins are bindable, but trichothecenes, for example, are not bindable. The biological components in Mycofix^® detoxify mycotoxins by altering the molecular configuration.

Hygiene is the concept round which all other parameters useful to warranty successful animal keeping are gravitating. Feed and water are commonly contaminated with bacteria including potential pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella spp. Acidification and a proper carrier will allow progressive increase to correct the pH inside the fore and hind gut to fight pathogens and favour beneficial microflora that help digestion and increase nutrient adsorption. This second aspect is especially true in sows. For piglets, whose stomach pH is on the way to mature, acidification is basic to enhancing the stomach barrier against pathogens introduced via alimentary tract.

The slow maturation of piglet digestive apparatus goes through increase of stomach pH and gut microflora establishment and the production of digestive enzymes. Accompanying this process through early colonization by “useful” bacteria strains acidification provides competition against the pathogenic bacteria strains. This gives the piglet the time to build up a strong effective, protective apparatus to defend against bacterial challenges and to be efficient in processing nutrients and maintain health. Moreover, developing an effective immunocompetent system is essential for gut health. The use of proven phytogenics in adult animals enhances gut health and has a positive effect on desirable gut microflora and maintenance of feed intake and feed conversion.

Preservation of raw feed materials throughout storage time can reduce the development of moulds thereby reducing the development of storage mycotoxins. BIOMIN’s range of organic acids is produced specifically to reduce the development of mould and bacterial contamination of these materials throughout the storage period, thereby improving their nutritional value for pigs, poultry and other animals.

A range of premixes developed for the pig industry, based on sound experimental evaluation, are available along with nutritional advice on feed concepts. High quality premixes can be tailor made to suit certain conditions wherever necessary. Direct technical support is also provided to ensure the nutritional requirements are met and achieve maximum benefits.