In the animal production industry, animal health and performance are crucial factors that determine the success of production. In this context, mycotoxins, toxic metabolites produced by fungi, pose a significant challenge due to their adverse effects on animal health and performance. Mycotoxins cause substantial harm to the organism, including alterations in intestinal integrity, cellular oxidative stress and liver damage, among others. Furthermore, the current changes in global climate patterns increases the occurrence of mycotoxins in crops, which, results in a growing impact on both animal and human health (Liu and Van der Fels-Klerx, 2021). Therefore, the comprehensive management of the risk presented by mycotoxins is of great relevance to protect animal and public health as well as the sustainability of agricultural operations.
Mycotoxins affect various biological systems in animals, compromising their health and productivity. However, the most serious problem is not associated with severe clinical episodes of mycotoxicosis caused by the ingestion of feed contaminated with critical levels of mycotoxins but rather with prolonged exposure to low doses of mycotoxins, which cause chronic metabolic alterations that result in a decrease in animal productivity (Bryden, 2012). Several studies have shown that these toxic substances can impact intestinal integrity, increase intestinal permeability and weaken immune function, leaving animals more susceptible to diseases and disorders. Furthermore, mycotoxins induce oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage, inflammation, and disruption in liver function (Yang et al., 2020).
There are different approaches to address the risk presented by mycotoxins in animal nutrition: the reduction of the bioavailability of mycotoxins with binding agents, the degradation of toxins into less toxic metabolites, and the use of substances that significantly alleviate the harmful effects of mycotoxins (antioxidant agents, inmunoestimulants, anti-inflammatory agents…) (EFSA, 2009). This last category of compounds with metabolism-improving functions effectively complement other strategies such as mitigation through adsorption.
To counteract the harmful effects of mycotoxins and promote animal health, BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX is presented as a liquid solution composed of natural grape and olive extracts with high antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory capacities.
BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® has been specifically designed to address the challenges presented by mycotoxins and promote animal health holistically. The selected phytogenic ingredients, such as grape extract and olive extract, have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that contribute to mitigating the negative effects of mycotoxins (Abdel-Moneim et al., 2020). Its benefits include supporting the maintenance of the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, strengthening the barrier against toxins and pathogens, and promoting digestive function. Furthermore, due to the high antioxidant action of its phytogenics components, it counteracts the oxidative stress induced by mycotoxins, thereby protecting cells and tissues. Additionally, it detoxifies and protects the liver, an essential organ for metabolic function (Abdel-Moneim et al., 2020).
An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential of different natural extracts using the ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) methodology according to López (2016) and Trujillo (2019). The results of the study demonstrate a high antioxidant activity of the natural extracts present in BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX®, especially for the grape extract, with a performance of 2100% in comparison to the BHT control (see figure 1).
Figure 1. FRAP antioxidant activity of natural extracts relative to BHT control.
Due to the critical relevance of pH in animal drinking water, the effect BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® on the acidity of drinking water was studied. The majority of pathogenic microorganisms grow at a pH range of 5 to 8. Consequently, acidic products pose a lower risk of microbiological contamination and may even serve as preservatives in matrices such as drinking water or feed (Aconsa, 2021). For this reason, an in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the product’s capacity to modify the pH of drinking water at different dosages under controlled hardness conditions. Figure 2 shows the results of the study in which the product demonstrates the ability to reduce the pH under different conditions. This property is crucial, since the acidic pH prevents the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and the production of mycotoxins by fungi. Consequently, the inclusion of BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® demonstrates an improvement in the quality of animal drinking water.
Figure 2. pH-modifying capacity of BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® at different doses in drinking waters of variable hardness.
BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® is recommended for situations of stress in animals, such as nutritional, environmental, thermal or management stress, in which animals are more sensitive to the adverse effects of mycotoxins. It is especially efficient for high-performance animals such as ruminants, poultry and pigs.
The main objective of the product is to mitigate the collateral effects of mycotoxins and other toxins, promoting animal health and improving production parameters. The liquid format for administration via drinking water facilitates the intake of the active components for a rapid relief effect. In addition, the product is completely soluble in water in the recommended doses, which facilitates its distribution in the animals’ drinking water (see figure 3).
BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® offers a unique solution to counteract the collateral effects of mycotoxins on animal health. Its composition based on natural extracts, with high antioxidant capacity, hepatoprotective function and support for intestinal integrity makes it an indispensable ally for enhancing the health, well-being and performance of animals in the agricultural industry.
The company that provides effective solutions against mycotoxins.
Calle México, 33. Polígono Industrial Tecnoparc.
43204 Reus (Tarragona) - España
Contact information
E-mail: bionte@bionte.com
Telephone: +34 977 317 111
