Meta-Analysis of Mycotoxin-Induced Alterations in Gut Microbiota and Fermentation in Livestock: Implications for Animal Health and Productivity

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi which contaminate animal feed worldwide and pose a serious risk to animal health and agricultural productivity. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed evidence on the effects of six major mycotoxins on the gut flora, namely deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisin B1 (FB1), T-2 toxin and ochratoxin A (OTA) in the main animal species, pigs, poultry and rabbits. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of the web-based database of peer reviewed studies between 1997 and 2026 identified 47 eligible studies, including in vivo, in vitro, ex vivo and review designs. Data collection focused on the type of mycotoxin, animal species, study design, gut microbial taxa concerned, fermentation results and impacts on productivity in the animals. Statistical comparison showed that DON was the most extensively studied mycotoxin (23 studies, 49 patients) and primarily affected pigs and poultry by reducing Firmicutes, increasing Proteobacteria and disrupting the intestinal barrier. AFB1 showed the largest organ involvement including intestinal reproductive axis disruption in sheep, while ZEN had a unique effect on Akkermansia abundance and lipid metabolism. The FB1 has consistently reduced the total microbial diversity. Combined exposures to mycotoxins induced synergistic dysbiosis beyond the effects of individual toxins. Probiotic (Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mycotoxin binding agents have been shown to have a partial protective effect against microbial disturbances. These findings underline the critical need for integrated mycotoxin management strategies in livestock production in order to protect both intestinal health and productivity