Animal protein sources, including meat, eggs, and milk, are considered complete proteins because they contain all essential amino acids in high quality. In order to provide high-quality protein to humans, livestock must be fed with toxin-free feedstuffs. Animal feed is a significant factor in the global food industry, offering the highest returns to producers worldwide. Animal feeds can be produced either by local livestock farmers or by feed manufacturing companies.

It is crucial to secure and store feeds properly to prevent microbial and other biotic agents from contamination. Mycotoxins are a type of toxin naturally produced by fungal growth, which can grow in feedstuffs such as maize, other cereals, Groundnut cake, and other oil cakes in warm, humid climatic conditions. These toxins can cause a range of serious health hazards in both livestock and humans, from mild irritation to deadly cancers. Addressing mycotoxin-related issues is essential.

With the globalization of the feed industry and rapid climate changes, it is challenging to estimate the occurrence and presence of mycotoxins in feedstuffs. These undetectable toxins can have direct and indirect effects on the animal production system. It is vital to have comprehensive knowledge about the metabolism, growth, and reproduction of various mycotoxins, as well as the toxicological properties of their intermediate products produced during metabolism, to neutralize these toxins.

P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, Ph.D., is currently the Registrar of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Tamil Nadu, India. He has more than 24 years of experience in the field of Livestock Production and Management.

L. Radhakrishnan, Ph.D., is currently the Professor and Head of Central Feed Technology Unit, a constituent unit of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. He has more than 24 years of experience in the field of Animal Nutrition. He has profound knowledge in the field of feed manufacturing and quality control.

Ghadevaru Sarathchandra, PhD, is the Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, TANUVAS. He is European Registered Toxicologist, FST. He was instrumental in establishing Pharmacovigilance Laboratory for Animal Feed and Food Safety in TANUVAS and in getting ISO/NABL accreditation to the laboratories of the University.

A. Ruba Nanthini,M.V.Sc, is Assistant Professor working in Central Feed Technology Unit, TANUVAS. She is now in-charge of quality control, production and supply of animal feeds across the state.

1.Introduction to Mycotoxins, 2.Conditions for Mould Growth and Mycotoxins Production, 3.Effect of Mycotoxins On Rumen Fermentation and Nutrient Utilization, 4. Effect of Mycotoxins on Animal Performance, 5. Influence of Aflatoxin M-1 in Milk, 6.Estimation of Mycotoxins 7.Control Measures to Reduce Mycotoxins in Feed Ingredients and Crops, 8. Application of HACCP to Mycotoxins Control