In “calm” seasons, even basic solutions can give acceptable results. But difficult years – with wet weather, plant stress and disturbed feed storage conditions – quickly show the limits of the capabilities of classic adsorbents. That is when the problem of mycotoxins reaches a new level.
When one toxin is already a rarity
Many traditional adsorbents, in particular clay minerals, demonstrate high efficiency only against certain groups of mycotoxins and at relatively low levels of feed contamination. Under such conditions, their use can give acceptable results.
However, in real production conditions, feeds contain a combination of different mycotoxins. The simultaneous presence of several compounds – aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone and others – creates a more complex toxic load, which simple adsorbents are not always able to effectively cope with.
pH matters
Another weak point of many classical adsorbents (primarily clay minerals) is their instability in different environments. The pH level in the gastrointestinal tract varies depending on the animal species, diet, and even physiological state.
Simple adsorbents have an optimal range of effectiveness in a limited range of acidity. As a result, some of the mycotoxins may be released and continue to affect the body - despite the fact that the adsorbent is formally present in the diet.
This effect is especially noticeable in young animals or animals under stress: toxins penetrate the blood faster, and even a small portion that has passed through the adsorbent can reduce immunity and productivity.
"We added it - but didn't see the result"
One of the most common mistakes is the belief that the mere fact of adding an adsorbent automatically solves the problem. When productivity does not increase, immunity weakens, and indicators remain unstable, the very idea of protection is questioned.
In fact, the problem is not the approach, but the tool, which does not match the level of risk.
When technology is needed, not compromises
It is in difficult years that technological solutions are needed that can work with several mycotoxins simultaneously and maintain effectiveness in different gastrointestinal conditions – for example, UniXorb. This is a necessary element of farm stability.
When the risk is maximum, simple solutions stop working. And that's when investing in modern technologies becomes not an expense, but a protection of the result.
