Alltech is expanding its mycotoxin testing program Alltech RAPIREAD, which now includes a new collaboration with Waters | VICAM and the connection to its analytical tool, Vertu TOUCH.
Mycotoxins, natural substances produced by molds and fungi, are more prevalent — and more of a problem in agriculture — than ever before, Alltech explained. Results from the 2024 Alltech Harvest Analysis show that more than 95% of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin and usually two or more, demonstrating the need for robust quality control programs.
Unfortunately, these toxins are difficult to detect and can cause significant damage to animal health before producers even realize they are present.
“Since mycotoxins are a continuous problem for the agricultural industry, it is important for producers to understand the risk to their feed and animals,” Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for Alltech, said in a release. “Rapid tests at the feed mill or on-farm can be used to detect the mycotoxin type or content, but including Alltech RAPIREAD can assist in understanding how the mycotoxins could actually impact the performance, health or profitability of production.”
Alltech is excited about the opportunities this new collaboration provides.
“Offering simple touch-screen operation, the Vertu TOUCH lateral flow strip test reader works in concert with VICAM’s Vertu strip tests to deliver full-range quantitative results for up to six major mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, fumonisin, vomitoxin (DON), zearalenone, ochratoxin A and the combination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins,” Alltech said in a release.
Alltech RAPIREAD launched in 2020 to help customers identify and analyze mycotoxin risks within minutes. This began, and continues, with a collaboration with Neogen and integration to its Raptor testing device, the company said.
“Complementing the continued connection with Neogen, this new collaboration with Waters | VICAM using the ONE line of quantitative strip tests will expand analysis capabilities to include complete feed, while keeping Alltech RAPIREAD at the forefront for data collection, risk assessment and consultation,” Alltech explained.
Three years ago, the Waters | VICAM Vertu TOUCH reader and mixer was launched with updated features, including a touch screen for ease of use and the technology to detect six mycotoxin levels in a single sample within 10 minutes. This has added a greater opportunity for on-site testing with ease of use, faster time to results and extremely high quality of results, Alltech said.
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