INVITED REVIEW: Use of technology to assess and monitor multimycotoxin and emerging mycotoxin challenges in feedstuffs

Purpose: Published literature on available methods of mycotoxin analysis was reviewed to create a reference for implementing mycotoxin management programs. Sources: The information in this review came from scientific journals and published books. Synthesis: Mycotoxins are nonliving, invisible, toxic secondary metabolites produced by a variety of fungal species found around the world. To determine mycotoxin type, occurrence, and risk level, laboratory analysis must be completed. Mycotoxin analysis can be conducted with a variety of methods including the more simplistic ELISA to the more advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The use of analytical technologies that detect mycotoxin type and level also allow for the development of large databases of information, in turn providing information back to producers to help them make better decisions about the quality and safety of feedstuffs. Conclusions and Applications: Testing feedstuffs and feeds for mycotoxins is critical for understanding local and global prevalence and risk. Many technologies are available that provide rapid and accurate quantification of numerous mycotoxins in feedstuffs and complete rations. Mycotoxin testing programs that monitor mycotoxin prevalence can be valuable for reducing the effect of mycotoxins on animal performance and health around the world.