Biomin introduced its newest mycotoxin risk management solution, Mycofix Plus 5.Z with ZENzyme, in select markets across the Asia Pacific region.
Mycofix Plus 5.Z with ZENzyme is an innovative, all-in-one feed additive providing next-generation mycotoxin risk management for breeding animals and their offspring. ZENzyme is the first and only purified enzyme that degrades zearalenone (ZEN) fast, specifically and irreversibly into non-toxic and non-estrogenic metabolites.
“ZENzyme offers the animal protein sector full and complete protection against zearalenone. With consistent and proper application, farmers will have the confidence that their animals will not face ZEN-induced reproduction or health challenges,” said Franz Waxenecker, managing director of Biomin.
Zearalenone, a naturally-occurring toxin produced by fungi, commonly contaminates crops including corn, wheat and soy at potentially harmful levels according to the Biomin Mycotoxin Survey. The chemical structure of zearalenone poses two challenges to the agriculture sector. First, the mycotoxin latches onto an animal’s estrogen receptor which can induce hyperestrogenism and lead to reproductive problems and impair animal performance. Second, conventional binders such as clay or yeast-based products have only limited effectiveness in mitigating zearalenone’s negative impacts.
Because binders are not sufficient against zearalenone, other techniques are needed. That is why the company has pioneered the field of mycotoxin mitigation using enzymatic biotransformation, beginning with the introduction of FUMzyme in 2013.
Enzymatic biotransformation involves enzymes designed to specifically target a mycotoxin and detoxify the fungal metabolite irreversibly, thus protecting animals from potential harm. The Mycofix range of feed additives is the only mycotoxin solution on the market that includes purified mycotoxin-degrading enzymes, namely FUMzyme and ZENzyme, as well as a mycotoxin-degrading microorganism, BBSH® 797, for the degradation of trichothecene mycotoxins.
“Over the years we have invested considerably in technologies to counteract mycotoxins, and many of these novel technologies have achieved EU authorizations for their scientifically proven safety and efficacy,” explained Ursula Hofstetter, head of Global Product Management Mycotoxins at BIOMIN. “While we have had some success in counteracting zearalenone in the past, ZENzyme is quite simply faster and better than any other technology available.”
Zearalenone is known to have several negative consequences for fish and shrimp, including a reduction in broodstock productivity, reduction in offspring survival, increased rate of mutations and malformations, effects on gonads and roe. For fish and shrimp, Mycofix Plus 5.Z with ZENzyme is designed to guard against mycotoxin-related issues and zearalenone-induced reproductive challenges.
