Mycotoxins - understand the risk

Sector News27-2-2018

Mycotoxins are found everywhere. They are produced by moulds, either as a result of some stress factor on the mould itself (too cold, wet etc), or as a means to increase the competitiveness of the mould in the environment (eg. to help invade the host plant). The effects they can have on ruminants are very varied and often mistaken for other common problems.

As higher dry matter wholecrop and maize silages will soon be fed, the threat of mycotoxins will increase. Moulds can grow and produce toxins until all air is expelled from the clamp, which can be an issue with very high dry matter silages where it may be impossible to expel all the air.

Moulds may or may not be present on feeds, so the issue of identification can be troublesome. The Fusarium mould, for example, does not survive at low pH, so any Fusarium in cereals for silage will not be present once ensiling has occurred. But their mycotoxins will be.

Mild, moist weather leads to high mould growth
Late harvesting produces higher crop stress
Greatest risk from aged crops like maize, cereals

What can be done?

The most important thing is to be aware of the potential presence of mycotoxins in ensiled and stored feeds on farm, even though there may be no visible evidence present.

Indications of a mycotoxin challenge include:

Under-performing animals
Loose manure, sometimes blood and mucuous tags in fresh manure
Poor cycling, especially heifers
Rough coats, listless activity
Swollen hocks, leg lesions

These symptoms may have occurred without obvious causes and may have happened quite suddenly. If a mycotoxin challenge is suspected, rule out other common problems (e.g. cows sorting the ration, starch over-load) before including Micro Balance Detox in the daily diet.

MB Detox

Detox is a combination of specially selected biologically active ingredients which bind, transform and degrade mycotoxins that dairy cows are most susceptible.

Minimise the effects of mycotoxins
Supports natural defense system
Maintains dry matter intake
Maintains milk production

MB Detox mode of action:

Clay mineral particles: Bind the 'polar' mycotoxins such as aflatoxins

Yeast cell wall components: Bind to toxins and pathogenic bacteria

Yeast cell extracts: Modifies toxin structures to render them non-toxic

Anti-oxidants: Boost the cows immune response

ForFarmers have cost effective solutions to the Mycotoxin threat and are able to offer next day deliveries to most areas.