Corn byproducts reveal extreme contamination, causing daily growth losses of over 400g in pigs.
Asia’s pig producers face mounting challenges from imported grains carrying multiple mycotoxins. The 2026 risk analysis, conducted by Alltech, highlights serious consequences for swine nutrition and performance.
Corn from the EU contained deoxynivalenol, aflatoxin B1, and T2-HT2 toxins. Maximum DON levels exceeded 13,000 parts per billion (ppb), creating significant risks for pigs. Grow-finish pigs exposed to these contaminants lost 62g of daily gain and showed poorer feed conversion.
US corn carried type B trichothecenes, fusaric acid, and zearalenone. Average trichothecene concentrations reached 163 ppb, with maximum levels above 8000 ppb. Pigs lost 40g of daily gain and feed conversion worsened by 0.06%.
Brazilian corn showed high fumonisin levels, averaging nearly 2000 ppb and peaking at 29,400 ppb. Risks were moderate for pigs, with performance losses greater than those seen in dairy cows or broilers.
Canadian grains revealed widespread Fusarium contamination. Deoxynivalenol averaged 376 ppb, with maximum levels reaching 8500 ppb. T2-HT2 toxins and zearalenone added to the multi-toxin profile, raising risks for pig growth and efficiency.
EU barley carried type B trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fusarenon X. Average trichothecene concentrations reached 174 ppb, with maximum levels above 3500 ppb. Grow-finish pigs lost 26g of daily gain and showed poorer feed conversion.
EU wheat showed frequent type B trichothecenes, averaging 94 ppb. Pigs exposed to these toxins lost six grams of daily gain and displayed slight feed conversion increases.
Canadian wheat and barley carried deoxynivalenol, T2-HT2 toxins, and zearalenone. Risks were moderate, with measurable impacts on pig performance.
Corn by-products from North America, the EU, and Asia carried extreme multi-toxin loads. Fumonisins averaged more than 5000 ppb, with maximum levels exceeding 73,000 ppb.
These findings underscore the compounded risks of by-products compared with raw grains, making them particularly dangerous for swine health.
Alltech emphasizes that swine producers need integrated solutions to manage rising mycotoxin risks. These may include advanced binders, broad-spectrum mitigation technologies, and nutritional strategies that reduce toxin absorption and protect gut health.
Such tools, combined with accurate testing and robust risk analysis, provide consistent protection. This integrated approach is essential for maintaining pig health and performance in increasingly complex feed environments.
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