Novasil™ Plus

With Novasil^TM Plus against crop contamination

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxic metabolites that are produced by many species of the fungus. For instance, Aflatoxin B1 is extremely toxic to various animal species. Novasil^™ Plus is a natural clay that binds aflatoxins and acts like a “chemical sponge”, absorbing mycotoxins in the gastro-intestinal tract thus preventing the uptake in the blood and subsequent distribution to target organs.

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxic metabolites that are produced by many species of the fungus Aspergillus, the principal ones being Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and, to lesser extent, Aspergillus nominus. Aflatoxins can be produced both before and after crops are harvested under certain temperature, water activity, and nutrient availability conditions. They mainly afflict agricultural products grown in tropical and subtropical regions, where the climatic conditions conducive to Aspergillus entry and growth are most common (Figure 1). These include drought, excessive rainfall, and flooding. In recent years, global climate change may have been responsible for the emergence of aflatoxin problems in crops in regions that used to have a low incidence of aflatoxin contaminations.

Aflatoxin prevention strategies

Once aflatoxins are produced, they remain stable. They are unaffected by heat, cold, and light and consequently can persist in feed despite normal production and processing. There is therefore an urgent need for safe, practicable, and economical intervention strategies for preventing aflatoxicosis in animals.

What is Novasil^™ Plus?

Novasil^™ Plus is a natural clay of the smectite group that specifically binds aflatoxins. It is a 2:1 layer-lattice phyllosilicate clay rich in calcium montmorillonite. This 2:1 type of clay consists of a layer of octahedral aluminum sandwiched between two sheets of tetrahedral silica. These clay minerals have a characteristic negative surface charge on their platelets. This negative charge is neutralized by Ca2+ cations that are attracted into the interlayer regions. The cations in turn cause water to enter the interlayer regions of the clay and make it swell. The interlayer regions and other surface characteristics have been established to contribute importantly to the efficacy with which Novasil^™ Plus binds aflatoxins.

Novasil^™ Plus and Novasilect^® AF are one and the same product sold under a different name.

Dosage recommendations

Add Novasil^™ Plus at the rate of 1 – 5 kilograms per metric ton (0.1 – 0.5%) of finished feed, depending on aflatoxin levels in the feed. Novasil^™ Plus is a non­nutritive additive. Do not exceed 2% inclusion rate in complete rations. Homogenous distribution during the mixing process is of great importance to have a good effect.

Disclaimer: National regulations may vary and need to be considered prior to product use.

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