According to data released in early 2026 by dsm-firmenich, 83% of feed samples analysed globally contained 10 or more mycotoxins. This staggering level of co-contamination presents a massive operational challenge, as their negative effects on animal gut health, reproduction, and feed efficiency are compounded.
For UK feed manufacturers, this highlights a physical reality: you cannot chemically “cook” or heat-treat mycotoxins out of grain. To protect feed safety and manufacturer margins, the first and most effective line of defence must be mechanical – physically removing contaminated material before it even enters the mill.
Fungi do not distribute themselves evenly throughout a batch of grain. They thrive on damaged kernels, shrivelled grains, wild seeds, chaff, and fine dust. By implementing high-efficiency pre-cleaning and aspiration systems, such as those manufactured by our partners at FH Schule, processors can aggressively extract these lightweight, contaminated fractions at the intake stage. Simply stripping out the fine dust and broken grain through precise air separation can drastically reduce the overall parts-per-million (PPM) mycotoxin load of the batch.
Fungal mould typically attacks the outside of the crop first, so the outer husk, hull, or pericarp of oats, barley, spelt, and pulses contains the highest density of field mycotoxins. Physical dehulling and peeling are effective mitigation strategies. Using Schule’s specialised peeling and dehulling machinery, processors can surgically strip away these tough outer coats, physically isolating the “toxic load” and leaving clean, high-grade material for grinding and pelleting.
With co-contamination rising, waiting 24 to 48 hours for a wet-chemistry report leaves a dangerous operational gap. If a heavily contaminated truckload of grain is dumped into a clean intake silo, the entire batch is compromised. This is where automated, real-time quality control becomes a commercial shield. Systems like Schule’s MultiSense use continuous optical and sensory technology to monitor material flowing on the line. By automatically detecting discoloured, shrivelled, or mould-damaged kernels, the system can flag high-risk batches in real-time, allowing plant operators to divert suspicious material instantly.
Field mycotoxins are only half the battle. If finished feed is stored with too much moisture or at unstable temperatures, storage moulds will develop in the silo. To prevent this post-processing spike, the pelleting, conditioning, and drying processes must be incredibly precise. High-performance drying and cooling systems from Amandus Kahl ensure finished pellets achieve uniform moisture and temperature profiles. By eliminating damp microclimates in bulk storage, you effectively prevent mould spores germinating.
As mycotoxins become more complex and prevalent, relying solely on downstream feed additives is a costly strategy. The most sustainable approach is to clean, peel, and monitor raw ingredients using highly engineered, physical separation systems. We specialise in the design, supply, and installation of holistic, single-source processing lines that protect feed quality. From initial feasibility audits to installing state-of-the-art dehullers or conditioners, we help UK processors turn raw, variable inputs into safe, consistent, high-value outputs.
Want to audit your intake cleaning or de-hulling efficiency? Contact the Turner engineering team today.