Healthy piglets thriving with the help of mycotoxin binders.

Gut Check: How Mycotoxin Binders Can Boost Piglet Health and Growth

Jordan Keane in Science & Nature June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how mycotoxin binders can improve growth rate and gut health in piglets by reducing toll-like receptor-4 and increasing tight junction protein gene expression."

In the intricate world of animal agriculture, ensuring the health and optimal growth of livestock is paramount. One of the challenges faced by farmers is the presence of mycotoxins in feed, which can negatively impact animal health and performance. Among these, deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by Fusarium species, is a common culprit found in cereal grains.

Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging to combat the harmful effects of mycotoxins. One such approach involves the use of mycotoxin binders—feed additives designed to reduce the toxicity of mycotoxins. These binders work by binding to mycotoxins in the animal's digestive system, preventing their absorption and subsequent harm.

A recent study published in the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology has shed light on the potential benefits of mycotoxin binders in piglets. This research explored the impact of a specific mycotoxin binder on growth performance and gut health, revealing promising results that could transform piglet farming practices.

Unlocking the Gut: How Mycotoxin Binders Work Wonders

Healthy piglets thriving with the help of mycotoxin binders.

The study, conducted by researchers at Ghent University and other institutions, investigated the effects of a mycotoxin binder containing acid-activated bentonite, clinoptilolite, yeast cell walls, and organic acids. These components were carefully selected for their ability to bind mycotoxins and support gut health.

Over a 37-day period, 120 weaning piglets were divided into four groups: a control group, a group receiving a control diet with the mycotoxin binder, a group receiving a diet contaminated with DON, and a group receiving a DON-contaminated diet with the mycotoxin binder.

Improved Growth: Piglets receiving diets with the mycotoxin binder showed significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the first 14 days and throughout the entire study period.
Reduced Inflammation: The mycotoxin binder was found to lower the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in the distal small intestinal mucosa. TLR-4 is a key player in the immune system, and its reduction suggests a decrease in gut inflammation.
Enhanced Gut Barrier Function: Piglets fed DON and the mycotoxin binder exhibited increased mRNA levels of zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), a tight junction protein crucial for maintaining gut barrier integrity. This indicates that the binder may help strengthen the gut lining, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.

Interestingly, the piglets fed DON and the mycotoxin binder had significantly higher ADFI and ADG compared to those fed only DON during the first 14 days. This finding suggests that the binder can effectively counteract the negative impacts of DON, promoting better growth and feed efficiency.

A Promising Future for Piglet Farming

These findings offer a promising outlook for piglet farming, as mycotoxin binders emerge as a valuable tool for promoting growth and gut health. By mitigating the harmful effects of mycotoxins, these feed additives can help farmers raise healthier and more productive livestock, leading to more sustainable and efficient farming practices.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are mycotoxin binders and why are they used in piglet feed?

Mycotoxin binders are feed additives designed to reduce the toxicity of mycotoxins in animal feed. They work by binding to mycotoxins within the animal's digestive system, preventing the mycotoxins from being absorbed into the body. This is significant because mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), can negatively impact animal health and performance, leading to reduced growth and increased susceptibility to disease. By using mycotoxin binders, farmers can mitigate these harmful effects, promoting healthier and more productive livestock. This process does not remove the toxins but renders them harmless.

What is deoxynivalenol (DON), and why is it a concern in piglet feed?

Deoxynivalenol, often shortened to DON, is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, commonly found in cereal grains. It's significant because it is a prevalent contaminant in animal feed, and exposure to DON can cause various health problems in animals, including reduced feed intake, decreased growth rate, and impaired immune function. The presence of DON in feed poses a significant challenge to livestock farmers, making strategies to mitigate its effects, such as using mycotoxin binders, crucial for maintaining animal health and productivity.

What is toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and why is it important to reduce its expression in piglets?

Toll-like receptor 4, or TLR-4, is a key component of the immune system that recognizes certain molecules associated with pathogens and triggers an inflammatory response. In the context of gut health, TLR-4 can be activated by mycotoxins, leading to inflammation and disruption of the gut barrier function. Reducing the expression of TLR-4 is important because it indicates a decrease in gut inflammation, which can improve nutrient absorption and overall gut health. Mycotoxin binders can help lower TLR-4 expression, which will help promote a healthier gut environment in animals.

What are tight junction proteins, like zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), and why is it beneficial to increase their levels in piglets?

Tight junction proteins, such as zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), are critical for maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier. These proteins form seals between intestinal cells, preventing harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream. Increased mRNA levels of ZO-1 indicate that the gut barrier is strengthened, which is important because it reduces the risk of inflammation and systemic infections. This is significant as it demonstrates that mycotoxin binders not only reduce inflammation but also improve the physical barrier that protects the animal from harmful substances, improving health and growth.

What are the functions of acid-activated bentonite, clinoptilolite, yeast cell walls, and organic acids in a mycotoxin binder?

Acid-activated bentonite, clinoptilolite, yeast cell walls, and organic acids are components used in certain mycotoxin binders. These components are included because of their ability to bind mycotoxins and support gut health through differing mechanisms. For example, bentonite and clinoptilolite are clay minerals known for their adsorption properties, while yeast cell walls can bind mycotoxins and also modulate the immune system. Organic acids can help maintain a healthy gut pH, which in turn can improve digestion and nutrient absorption. The combined effects of these components contribute to the overall effectiveness of the mycotoxin binder in promoting animal health and growth.