Trouw Nutrition Convenes Young Scientists at World Mycotoxin Forum

Press release

Taking a Closer Look at Mycotoxins in Italy

AMERSFOORT, The Netherlands, 5 May – Selko, the feed additive brand of Trouw Nutrition, Nutreco's livestock feed business, will host a Young Scientist Forum during the World Mycotoxin Forum (WMF) 13th Congress in Parma, Italy, and a Dairy Day expert conversation following the forum.

05/05/2022

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During WMF, representatives of Trouw Nutrition and its Selko brand will present mycotoxin research findings including eight scientific posters. Findings from studies assessing mycotoxin prevalence in four geographic regions will be particularly relevant given the extreme volatility global grain markets are experiencing. During a keynote address, Dr. Swamy Haladi, technical manager for the mycotoxin risk management programme, will present his views on putting science into practice. “Understanding mycotoxin-specific effects will help to formulate a feed strategy that can not only bind certain mycotoxins but also effectively manage the negative effects of mycotoxins” says Dr. Haladi. “Although animal toxicity studies are limited in relation to emerging and masked mycotoxins, the feed industry is encouraged to investigate these toxins more seriously as unfolding their toxicity will explain much about the mystery surrounding mycotoxins.”

Young Scientist Forum Seeks Future Professionals’ Insights

The Young Scientist Forum, held from 17:30 to 18:30 CET on Tuesday, 17 May, will convene young scientists, researchers and students to imagine and collaborate on strategies for managing mycotoxin risk.  During a brainstorming and idea exchange, participants will consider how emerging insights may lead to new solutions for sustainable livestock production. As extreme weather incidents become more frequent and commodity markets remain volatile, participants will explore sustainable solutions to manage mycotoxins amid these challenges.

During small group discussions, attendees will consider how climate change is influencing the increased formation of mycotoxins and look at how monitoring and prediction systems can support mycotoxin management efforts. “During the forum, we aim to get young professionals’ input on how industry stakeholders can collaborate to effectively and sustainably reduce mycotoxin risk,” said Pedro Caramona, programme lead for the Feed Safety & Quality programme of Selko. “Their input will also provide valuable insights to drive future research priorities.”

Dairy Day Spotlights Grain and Ruminant Feed

As Parma, Italy hosts the WMF, Trouw Nutrition Italy is organising a Dairy Day held on 19 May, which will bring a country-specific look to mycotoxins. Dr. Sabrina Locatelli of CREA de Bergamo will share trends relevant to contamination levels in Italy’s crops and provide perspective on toxins in primary grains and ruminant feed. Professor Antonio Gallo from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Piacenza will discuss the main mycotoxins in corn silage and TMR, their effects on milk production, and findings from university studies evaluating the efficacy of a solution to manage Fusarium mycotoxin contamination.

“As compared to monogastric animals, the antioxidant system of ruminant animals, especially in dairy cows seems to be under great threat from mycotoxins. Mitigation strategies in this species must look at this key area more closely,” said Dr. Swamy Haladi, who will speak on mitigation strategies at this event.

Trouw Nutrition is a gold sponsor of the 2022 World Mycotoxin Forum.