- 71% of feed samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin, with 34% exceeding performance risk thresholds
- Deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, and zearalenone remain the primary contributors to global risk
- Nearly half of samples contained multiple mycotoxins, increasing complexity of management
- Regional differences highlight the need for localized testing and mitigation strategies
- Performance impacts were observed across poultry, swine, and cattle production systems
Cargill Micronutrition & Health Solutions has released its 2025 Global Mycotoxin Report, providing a comprehensive analysis of contamination trends across animal feed ingredients worldwide.
The report is based on 389,926 analyses conducted across 41 countries and indicates that mycotoxin pressure remains a persistent challenge for animal production. According to the findings, 71% of samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin above detection limits, while 34% exceeded performance-based thresholds associated with measurable productivity impacts.
Deoxynivalenol (DON) continues to represent the most significant global risk, with 53% of analyses exceeding performance thresholds. Fumonisins (FUM) showed an increase in risk compared to the previous year, while zearalenone (ZEN) remained consistently elevated across multiple regions.
Multi-mycotoxin contamination remains a defining characteristic of current risk patterns. The report found that 47% of samples contained three or more mycotoxins, underscoring the complexity of managing feed safety and animal performance.
According to Cargill, producers are increasingly facing overlapping and region-specific toxin challenges rather than isolated contamination events. The company emphasized that performance-based thresholds offer a more practical framework for managing risk compared to regulatory minimums alone.
Regional variation continues to shape risk profiles. North America and China reported high levels of DON, while parts of the Americas and Asia showed elevated fumonisin prevalence. Zearalenone remained consistently high across several markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Aflatoxin pressure also increased in parts of Asia compared to the previous year.
The report also assessed species-specific impacts. Seventeen percent of samples exceeded performance thresholds for calves and heifers, while 27% exceeded thresholds for broilers and 26% for nursery pigs. Across species, DON and ZEN were identified as key contributors to reduced gut health, immune function, reproductive performance, and feed efficiency.
Cargill said the report is supported by one of the largest global mycotoxin surveillance databases and is part of its broader approach to mycotoxin management. The company’s strategy integrates diagnostic testing, data interpretation, and species-specific mitigation solutions to support more informed decision-making.
The company emphasized that effective mycotoxin management requires data-driven strategies that translate global insights into practical, on-farm actions aimed at protecting animal performance.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
