Towards CD Laboratory for mycotoxin-induced metabolome changes & improved biomarkers in livestock farming

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain molds and pose a major risk to the safety of food and feed. A significant proportion of global agricultural products is contaminated, often at levels below regulatory limits. Despite comprehensive preventive measures, complete elimination of mycotoxins is not possible. Furthermore, studies show that even concentrations below EU guideline values can cause subclinical effects in livestock, such as metabolic disorders, immunosuppression, and reduced performance. These effects often go unrecognized. A key shortcoming is the lack of reliable, dose-dependent biomarkers of effect that can be used to assess early or chronic mycotoxin exposure, the combined effects of multiple toxins, and the efficacy of detoxification strategies. Metabolomics offers great potential in this regard, but requires robust bioinformatic analysis and validation strategies. The goal of this preliminary project is to establish the methodological, analytical, and regulatory foundations for a subsequent CD laboratory. Key work packages include (i) the development and establishment of bioinformatics workflows for the analysis of complex metabolomics and foodomics data, (ii) the preparation and submission of an animal trial application for controlled exposure studies in pigs, and (iii) the purification and analytical characterization of defined mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A. This preparatory work will lay the foundation for systematic animal studies, which are intended to subsequently enable the identification, validation, and application of robust biomarkers of effect.