Mycotoxin binders explained: why one size never fits all
Mycotoxins continue to represent one of the most persistent and complex challenges facing modern animal production systems. Often operating silently in the background, these contaminants can compromise animal health, productivity, feed efficiency, and profitability without producing immediately obvious clinical signs.
In the latest episode of nutriNews on Air, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rui A. Gonçalves, author of the article “Mycotoxin Binders Explained: Why One Size Never Fits All”, featured in our March edition.
During the interview, Dr. Gonçalves dives into the realities of mycotoxin contamination in the field, the limitations of current mitigation approaches, and the importance of understanding that there is no universal solution when it comes to binder selection.
“One size never fits all.” Different mycotoxins behave differently, which means mitigation strategies must also be adapted to each specific challenge.
One of the key points highlighted throughout the conversation is the concept of subclinical mycotoxicosis. According to Dr. Gonçalves, many of the production losses associated with mycotoxins are difficult to identify because they occur gradually and are frequently confused with other health or management problems.
Drops in feed intake, poor performance, reduced immunity, and increased susceptibility to infections may all be influenced by mycotoxins, yet producers often struggle to pinpoint them as the underlying cause.
As Dr. González explains, mycotoxins frequently act as “silent catalysts” within multifactorial disease scenarios. Rather than causing a single dramatic event, they weaken the system and create opportunities for other problems to emerge.
The discussion also addresses the growing importance of co-contamination. In real-world production conditions, feeds rarely contain just one mycotoxin. Instead, multiple mycotoxins are commonly present simultaneously, creating complex interactions that make mitigation far more challenging.
Practical reality: Producers are rarely dealing with a single toxin. Most contamination scenarios involve multiple mycotoxins acting together.
For this reason, Dr. González emphasizes that nutritionists and producers must first understand which mycotoxins are present and identify the ones that are most problematic for animal health and performance. Only then can they design a targeted mitigation strategy.
The interview further explores one of the most common misconceptions in the industry: the belief that simply including a binder in the feed automatically guarantees protection against mycotoxins.
According to Dr. Gonçalves, this “false sense of security” can become a major issue. Different binders have different adsorption capacities, selectivities, and limitations. A product that performs well against one toxin may be ineffective against another.
In fact, some broad-spectrum materials may also bind beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, or even veterinary medications, potentially creating unintended nutritional consequences.
Key takeaway: The goal is not simply to “have a binder,” but to select a solution that is scientifically characterized for the specific mycotoxin risks present in the feed.
Another important part of the discussion focuses on the differences between technical binders and true mycotoxin binders. While technical binders are primarily used to improve pellet quality or feed flowability, mycotoxin binders are specifically designed and characterized to adsorb toxins.
Dr. González warns that products not properly tested or characterized for mycotoxin adsorption may provide little real protection, regardless of their price or marketing claims.
The interview also dives deeper into the science behind mineral binders, discussing concepts such as cation exchange capacity, surface charge, interlayer spacing, particle size, and pH stability. While these may sound highly technical, Dr. González explains how these properties directly influence binder performance under practical field conditions.
Importantly, the conversation translates these scientific concepts into practical recommendations for feed mills, nutritionists, and producers looking to make more informed purchasing decisions.
Consistency between batches, selectivity toward specific toxins, product stability throughout the digestive tract, and freedom from contaminants such as heavy metals are all factors that should be carefully evaluated before selecting a binder.
Bottom line: Effective mycotoxin management requires a holistic and evidence-based approach rather than relying on a single “silver bullet” solution.
If you want to better understand how different binders work, what characteristics truly matter, and how to approach mycotoxin mitigation under real production conditions, this interview is a must-watch for nutritionists, veterinarians, feed formulators, and producers alike.
Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel and explore the complete article on our website for a deeper dive into the science and practical application of mycotoxin binders.