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Raw material risk management for mycotoxins –– The ever-more-challenge for Indian poultry producer

Raw material risk management for mycotoxins –– The ever-more-challenge for Indian poultry producer

Dr Susim Mukul Ray, Head –– Technical & Promotion (PBU), Zydus AHL

Amid concerns over a slowdown in the Indian economy during mid-Q3’19, worrying reports of economic distress from the poultry farm sector began hitting the headlines. During the period, the economic crisis in the sector owes largely to the hike of prices of raw materials viz., maize and rice bran, making upto 70-80% of feed formulation. The resulting hike in prices of poultry feed is speculated to be the highest in last 20 years. Short rainfall in preceding year affecting agriculture production is thought to be pivotal in precipitating the crisis. The odyssey of economic crisis was worsened by COVID 19 pandemic, until Q3’20, the reeling sector began spurting back to life with drastic reduction of maize and rice bran price –– heaved a sigh of relief !

The economic growth in sector usurped the crisis apparently, while looming challenges of mycotoxicosis inflicted serious headaches to the farming community. Raw materials, especially the new strain of maize, registered higher mycotoxin levels as compared to previous year leading to various unprecedented complications in field –– poultry productivity.

At Zydus AHL, our team of experts continuously strive to identify these stressors, analyse, and find right solution for the farming community. In next section, the retrospective analysis of mycotoxin levels in raw materials and finished feed studied by our laboratory is presented.

Total 64 feed samples were analysed during Feb – Oct’20 and showed very high levels of ZEN and FUM (Fig 1). 77% feed samples had registered ZEN level > 50 ppb, while 38% feed samples had FUM level > 500 ppb (Fig 2a & 2b).

 

A comparison of 50 maize samples for ZEN level in 2019 and 2020, respectively clearly highlights significantly higher contamination in 2020. In 2019, only 29% maize samples had registered ZEN level > 100 ppb, while all maize samples (100%) had ZEN level > 100 ppb in 2020 (Fig 3). Such higher ZEN level in association with FUM had visible implications on poultry productivity, as will be discussed in forthcoming sections.

 

 

Besides higher ZEN level in maize/finished feed, the co-occurrence of more than one mycotoxin – multiple mycotoxicosis had far reaching detrimental effects primarily because of the synergism existing across different mycotoxins. It means that mycotoxins exert ill-effects at significantly lower concentration than alone resulting in lowering of their threshold limits in feed e.g. ZEN level upto 500 ppb can be tolerated by broiler breeder hens while chronic consumption of AF + ZEN or ZEN + DON at 20-&-50 ppb or 50-&-150 ppb, respectively may have deleterious effect on hatchability and egg shell quality.

% Co-Contamination of different mycotoxins in feed samples > 20 ppb (Fig 4a) and > 50 ppb (Fig 4b)

In 2020, our laboratory data on mycotoxin analysis showed that 46% and 81% feed samples were co-contaminated with 3 or more mycotoxins >20 ppb and >50 ppb, respectively (Fig 4a & 4b).

Zearalenone (ZEN), one of the most prevalent estrogenic mycotoxins, is mainly produced by Fusarium fungi and has been proven to affect the reproductive capacity of poultry. Exposure of poultry to ZEN is a global public health concern because of its toxicity and wide distribution in poultry feeds, carry over effect in egg and meat, and being stable/unaffected by feed/food processing conditions (150 °C for 44 h). Biotransformation of ZEN carried out by poultry liver leads to the formation of two metabolites: α-zearalenol and β-zearalenol. All ZEN forms are estrogenic, with the α-zearalenol being the highest. It has synergistic effect with Aflatoxin (AF) and Dioxynivalenol (DON), while additive effects with Fumonisin (FUM).

In 2020, higher levels of ZEN along with other mycotoxins (AF, FUM, DON, and OTA) in maize/finished feed samples were correlated with poultry production trend and following were our observations.

Controlling multiple mycotoxicosis, especially ZEN, FUM and DON, is challenging for poultry producer as they are pre-harvest mycotoxins and are extremely stable in feed processing conditions. Moreover, they are produced by same genera of fungi viz, Fusarium spp., and presence of one mycotoxin e.g. ZEN potentially increase the contamination risk of other mycotoxins e.g. FUM and DON. Therefore, two way approach in checking the menace of multiple mycotoxicosis is recommended.

  • First, eliminating the growth of Fusarium fungi by mould inhibitors. Combination of buffered organic acids (SCFAs) and formaldehyde (ZanitizerTM) is very effective and ensures feed sanitisation before consumption by poultry.
  • Secondly, pre-formed mycotoxins should be adsorbed completely by combination of inorganic and organic adsorbents before they are absorbed by chicken GI tract. Mycotoxin adsorbents (Bentonite, β-glucans, MOS, Diatomaceous earth, etc.) ensure that the mycotoxins are not bioavailable in systemic circulation after consumption by chicken. In this context, the right choice of mycotoxin adsorbents is critical. Mycotoxin like ZEN is non-polar in nature and require organic adsorbent (e.g. β-glucans) for effective binding in chicken GI tract, while AF (polar) requires inorganic adsorbent ( e.g. Bentonite). Furthermore, the prevalence of mycotoxins vary widely, spatially and temporally (as we have shown for ZEN level in 2019 vs 2020), and therefore, ideal mycotoxin binders for poultry use should incorporate adsorbents dedicated for both polar and non-polar mycotoxins for optimum protection.

In conclusion, multiple mycotoxicosis is a serious threat to poultry producers. These mycotoxins exert synergistic and additive action in combination and, in most part, work in significantly lower concentration in combination capable of causing deleterious effect on poultry production and significant financial losses.

As leaders what could we learn from “Free Hit”?

As leaders what could we learn from “Free Hit”?

Summary – As leaders we could unleash employee potential and innovation by providing an environment where we encourage them take calculated risk. There is a need to redefine what failure means. Not doing something because of fear could be a limiting factor. Article draws analogy from cricket.

For those who do not understand cricket, Free Hit is caused by the bowler over stepping or bowling a beamer, which Authoris called as “No ball”. The bowler concedes an extra run for the “No Ball” and may have to bowl one extra delivery where the possibility of getting the batsman out is only limited to run out or hit wicket.

How often have seen a struggling batsman, who finds it difficult to score runs, unable to connect well really gets going when he/she gets a free hit. There have been instances where the entire fortune of the game is changed in a single over where the bowler conceded free hit. What happens here? The biggest benefit for the batsman in case of a free hit is the safety net that he/she gets which allows them to try shots without the fear of failure instead focus on the positive outcome of scoring as many runs as possible from that delivery. He/she unleashes his/her potential and plays audacious shots that changes the course of the game. An ordinary looking batsman turns lethal.

In organizations, employees face this Fear of Failure that prevents from taking calculated risks or trying some innovative ideas when faced with difficult situations. Successful companies like Booking.com run hundreds of experiments simultaneously knowing that only a fraction of them would be successful. But these successful experiments help the organization get more customers through better understanding of them. What if Booking.com stopped experiments due to fear of failure? Instead these experiments have made them as a trusted partner for those who are travelling.

Susan Peppercon, in her article titled “How to overcome fear of failure” speaks about the importance of having approach goals than having avoidance goals. Approach goals are the ones the person is motivated to wanting to achieve a positive outcome while avoidance goal is aimed at avoiding an adverse outcome. She goes on to quote psychologists saying that formation of approach goals and positively reframing avoidance goals is beneficial for wellbeing.

Senior leaders in organisations need to provide this safety net to their employees if they are looking at experimentation and innovation. Focus needs to be on attaining positive outcomes and not see failure as a setback but an opportunity to learn. This mindset would help organizations achieve results that they have not achieved so far and realizing the full potential of their employees. Needless to say that this mindset helps organizations come out of difficult situations.

The caveat is you should have ensured that your employees are competent, and you set very high standards of performance. As a senior leader, you should have taken timely action on issues of non-performance.

I am reminded of the quote by the famous American Scientist, Dr Alan Kay where he says, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it”.

The best way to invent is to innovate by constant experimentation stemming from the courage to take calculated risks. Senior leaders should hold themselves accountable in creating a culture that supports this.

About the author : Author is a HR professional, Consultant, trainer and an ICF certified coach. Has managed organization change and aligned HR practices to ensure business growth. He holds master degree in Social work and a PG diploma in Business management from IIM Trichy. He could be reached at npattabiraman@relyonus.in

Outstanding Lady Veterinarian Award to Dr. Kamna Barkataki

Outstanding Lady Veterinarian Award to Dr. Kamna Barkataki

Dr. Kamna Barkataki had joined the Central Poultry Development Organization (NR), Chandigarh as the Director on November, 2018.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry from Veterinary College, Guwahati, A.A.U. and master’s degree from Kerala Veterinary College, K.A.U, Mannuthy in Poultry Science.

She served at different places in Veterinary & A.H. Deptt. of Assam for over 20 years.

After joining CPDO(NR), Chandigarh, she sincerely and constantly made efforts to serve the northern state’s farmers and entrepreneurs and also helped the state Veterinary and A.H. Departments to help the farmers by providing trainings and necessary help to start up poultry farming.

She along with the “Himmothan Society” Dehradun, Uttarakhand managed to get people interested in poultry farming in remote and inaccessible places of Uttarakhand, like Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh (near Nepal) districts, which helped the poorer section to earn livelihood.

Along with Departments of A.H & Veterinary of Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh U.T and NECC, she spearheaded the “World Egg Day” celebration in Chandigarh on October, 2019 to create awareness among the people about the benefits of egg and allaying the rumours against eggs and also to give a boost to the poultry industry.

She received the “Fieldman Green” award for the year 2019 for her commitment towards society and city beautiful Chandigarh.

Impact of Oxidative Stress

Impact of Oxidative Stress

Intensive livestock farming exposes animals to various stress factors throughout their life cycle such as heat stress, weaning stress, toxins, pathogens and an unbalanced diet. The process that plays a central role in all these situations is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can find their origin in exogenous and endogenous sources. ROS are highly reactive molecules capable of damaging macromolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA. The oxidation of these components damages the cells to the extent that it leads to cell death and ultimately to tissue damage.

Inflammation

Inflammation

 

Reactive oxygen species initiate an intracellular signaling pathway inducing inflammation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Depending on the concentration of ROS the inflammation is either regulated or exaggerated. On the other hand, ROS are part of the inflammation process to combat infectious pathogens and contribute to the normal immune defense of the animal. Indeed, at the site of injury and inflammation, immune cells produce and liberate a high amount of ROS to destroy the pathogen, ultimately leading to oxidative stress. Thus, inflammation and oxidative stress are pathophysiological events that are tightly linked with one another. One of them may appear before or after the other, but when one of them appears the other one is most likely to follow and further aggravates the first. Both processes induce cell and tissue damage and take part in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases.

Reduced gut health

Despite the protective barrier provided by the mucosa, the gastrointestinal tract remains prone to ROS attack as it harbors many potential sources of ROS. Reactive oxygen species can compromise the gut barrier by disrupting the tight junction proteins resulting in an increased intestinal permeability and facilitating the translocation of toxins (endotoxins, mycotoxins …) and pathogens. In addition, animals experiencing oxidative stress exhibit reduced villus height and crypt depth, decreasing the nutrient absorption surface.

Liver and kidney injury

The liver and kidney are organs that are highly vulnerable to damage caused by ROS. Like the gut, the liver and kidneys have tight junctions forming barriers that are compromised during oxidative stress. A variety of liver cells are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, leading to altered hepatic cellular function, inflammation and fibrosis. Oxidative stress not only triggers hepatic cell damage by inducing irretrievable alteration to lipids, proteins and DNA but more importantly, modulates pathways such as gene transcription, protein expression, cell apoptosis and liver cell recovery. These pathways regulate important processes in the liver and control normal biological functions. With regard to the kidneys, ROS invade the renal tissue and degrade key structures in the kidney involved in the excretion of a variety of waste products produced by cellular metabolism into the urine.

Decrease in performance

Oxidative stress influences animal performance significantly. The induced inflammation, together with the repair of damaged tissues requires energy and redirects nutrients away from production processes, resulting in economic losses for farmers. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines suppress appetite resulting in a reduced nutrient uptake for production purposes.

Authors :
Jesse Stoops MSc, PhD, Nutrex NV ,Belgium
Kurt Van de Mierop MSc ,Nutrex NV ,Belgium

Nutrex NV, Belgium appoints Dr. Amit Kumar Patra as Technical Sales Manager – South Asia

Nutrex NV, Belgium appoints Dr. Amit Kumar Patra as Technical Sales Manager – South Asia

Nutrex NV, Belgium is very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Amit Kumar Patra as Technical Sales Manager – South Asia for India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Srilanka. He will report to Belgium office.

Dr. Amit completed M.V.Sc in Animal Nutrition at West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata. He has then successively been involved in Poultry and Dairy industry with more than 15 years of experiences before joining Nutrex.

Dr. Amit comes with his expertise & knowledge of the South Asia market to reinforce Nutrex business in the region.

Nutrex’s market presence has been continuously growing in South Asia & Nutrex aim to bring a constant High Quality support to its customers to help them to obtain the best performances with the Nutrex ranges of quality products.

For more information please contact:
DR. AMIT KUMAR PATRA at amit.patra@nutrex.eu   |   Mobile: +91-98743-40886