Knowledge is Power
Preventing, Recognizing and
Mitigating Mycotoxin Contamination
By Lon W. Whitlow, Professor Emeritus, Animal Science, North Carolina
State University
TEANECK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2018--
What is often present, is worsened by oxygen and becomes more noticeable
over time?
It is not a riddle — it’s mycotoxins, which dairy producers must contend
with on a regular basis. Left unchecked, they can be detrimental to the
health, immunity and productivity of your herd.
Fortunately, the more you know about mycotoxins, the easier they are to
prevent, recognize and mitigate.
Mycotoxins are…
…often present. Unfortunately, mycotoxins routinely occur in
feeds. They are worse in some years and in some areas when unfavorable
weather occurs, but dairy producers must deal with some level of
mycotoxins all the time.
…chronic. The effects of mycotoxins on dairy cows are usually
chronic, meaning that they progress slowly, due to a continual intake of
low levels of mycotoxins. Symptoms become more pronounced over time.
…disruptive. The general effects of mycotoxins may include one of
more of the following: digestive upsets, diarrhea, reduced intake, lower
milk production, immune suppression (often resulting in increased
disease incidence) and reproductive loss.
…exacerbated by air and water. While mycotoxins can occur in any
feed, silage and other wet feeds may be the most problematic. Molds need
two things to grow and produce mycotoxins: 1. oxygen and 2. moisture.
The ensiling process is never perfect, and silages often contain areas
of deterioration, along with unwanted bacteria, yeasts and molds.
Preservatives can help protect wet feeds from mycotoxin contamination,
but mold can (and often does) grow after prolonged storage and exposure
to air.
…detrimental to dairy cow productivity. Even herds that are well
managed and highly productive can face mycotoxin problems. Affected
herds may produce fewer pounds of milk and/or be more prone to disease
and higher culling rates. When these issues occur, it is imperative that
dairy producers address them; “management as usual” will not solve
mycotoxin problems.
…mitigated by feed additives. Fortunately, there are feed
strategies and supportive therapies available to help producers maintain
healthy, productive dairy cows. Feed strategies not only help remove
contaminated feeds but also may help minimize animal stress, enhance
rumen fermentation, improve palatability to encourage intake, and add
extra nutrients, proteins and energy. In doing so, they help reduce
mycotoxin availability while supporting gut health and immunity.
To learn more about how feed strategies can help prevent or mitigate
mycotoxin contamination, visit Phibro at the International Production &
Processing Expo (IPPE) at Booth #C11061 or contact your local Phibro
representative.
About Phibro Animal Health Corporation
Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a diversified global developer,
manufacturer and supplier of a broad range of animal health and mineral
nutrition products for livestock, helping veterinarians and farmers
produce healthy, affordable food while using fewer natural resources.
For further information, please visit www.pahc.com.
Sidebar:
While all wet feeds are subject to mycotoxin contamination, it is more
prevalent in certain types of silage. Those most prone to mycotoxins are:
-
High in starch – HM corn, corn silage and small-grain silages
-
Stressed in the field – There’s a correlation between stress in the
field and signs of fungal disease at harvest
-
Dry, mature and/or harvested late
-
Poorly packed and covered (aerated)
-
Poorly fermented
-
Have a slow feed-out (aerated)
-
Moved and repacked (aerated)
-
Fed during warmer weather
-
Subject to prolonged, poor storage
-
Kept in intermediate feeding piles
If you are feeding silage that has been subject to one or more of these
conditions, be alert for signs of mycotoxins in your corn — or symptoms
of mycotoxin poisoning in your dairy cattle. By being vigilant in
watching for the presence of mycotoxins, you can prevent a costly
epidemic of mycotoxin contamination in your dairy herd.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181220005820/en/
Source: Phibro Animal Health Corporation
Media:
Breeana DeVerger
Mobile: +1.217.592.6502
Breeana.deverger@pahc.com