Mycotoxins in poultry feed pose a major challenge for producers because poultry are highly sensitive to these fungal toxins and can suffer a range of toxic effects. The damage caused by mycotoxins is magnified when several occur together rather than individually. The most important mycotoxins in poultry feed are aflatoxins (AF), zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FUM), and trichothecenes such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin. These contaminants primarily cause severe immunosuppression via enzymatic inhibition that reduces protein synthesis and dampens the immune response. Aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and trichothecenes typically affect the bursa of Fabricius and thymus, and this immune-suppression carries one of the greatest economic impacts in modern poultry production.

To counter mycotoxins in poultry feed, nutritionists employ multiple adsorbent and detoxification tools, including diatomaceous earth, yeast-cell-wall fractions, hydrated sodium–calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) clays, bentonite, and artichoke-leaf extract.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth—composed mainly of porous nanostructured silica from fossilized diatoms—contains about 86 % silicon dioxide plus trace minerals. Thanks to its high surface area and polarity, DE can adsorb aflatoxin, sterigmatocystin, T-2 toxin, zearalenone, and ochratoxin in vitro, reducing their bioavailability. Studies show DE can remove up to 94.7 % of aflatoxin at pH 6.5 and may improve body-weight gain and feed conversion by supplying trace minerals and enhancing nutrient absorption.

Yeast Cell Wall and β-Glucans

The yeast cell wall (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is rich in mannoproteins, β-glucans, and chitin. About 75 % of its dry weight is polysaccharide, with β-glucans accounting for roughly 30 %. β-Glucans are known immune modulators, while mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) can agglutinate pathogens, improve villus height, and bolster intestinal integrity—key defenses against mycotoxins in poultry feed.

Hydrated Sodium–Calcium Aluminosilicate (HSCAS) and Bentonite

HSCAS selectively binds aflatoxins in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing toxin absorption and systemic toxicity. Bentonite—rich in montmorillonite—can bind more than 90 % of aflatoxins and other polar toxins, acting rapidly in the crop and intestines to lower toxin load.

Artichoke-Leaf Extract

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaves supply cynarin, phenolic acids, and flavonoids with antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. When used with adsorbents, artichoke extract supports liver detoxification and counters the oxidative stress triggered by mycotoxins in poultry feed.

Elenco Fix Super — A Polyvalent Solution

Elenco Fix Super is a multi-component mycotoxin adsorbent combining diatomaceous earth, yeast-cell-wall derivatives, HSCAS, bentonite, and liver-protective artichoke extract. These ingredients act additively and synergistically to bind practically all major mycotoxins encountered in animal diets, with especially high affinity for aflatoxins. The inclusion of artichoke extract enhances hepatic function, minimizing residual toxin impact. Elenco Fix Super is therefore recommended to prevent the adverse effects caused by ingesting mycotoxins in poultry feed.
In summary, safeguarding flocks against mycotoxins in poultry feed requires a multifaceted strategy: potent adsorbents to trap toxins in the gut, immune-modulating yeast fractions to reinforce defenses, and liver-supporting phytogenic extracts to aid detoxification. Polyvalent products such as Elenco Fix Super deliver these components in one balanced formula, protecting bird health and preserving performance.