The Big 3 mycotoxins that pose the greatest risk to broilers

Aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin remain the most damaging mycotoxins in poultry feed.

Efstratia Papanikou

May 12, 2025

White chickens in stacked wire cages with limited space in a commercial poultry farm

Chaser223 | BigStock.com

In modern broiler production, the pressure for fast growth and high feed efficiency leaves no margin for nutritional error. Among the most persistent and damaging threats are mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by molds that contaminate feed ingredients.

While dozens of mycotoxins exist, broilers are especially vulnerable to three high-risk compounds: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), and T-2 toxin. Even at low levels, these toxins can silently reduce performance, suppress immunity and damage organs.

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