REDUCING MYCOTOXIN

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites that are produced by various moulds such as aspergilus, penicillium and fusarium and they are synthesised during the production, transportation and storage of food materials under certain environmental conditions.

Detectable levels of almost 300 potentially toxic metabolites secreted by moulds contaminate some 25-40% of cereals and cereal products worldwide.

Basic management practices such as using mould resistant crops, rotating fields, using good agricultural practices, the accurate application of pesticides and insecticides, avoiding damage to grain, removing damaged grains, controlling environmental conditions in storage and decontamination processes during storage all come into play.
How do you know if you have a problem?

• Look for an unexplained drop in performance, when everything else seems fine, including hygiene, management and diet.
• Testing is difficult since mycotoxins may be localised hot spots in the feed
• Look for the signs that include:
  • REDUCED DRY MATTER INTAKES
  • REDUCED MILK YIELD
  • POOR FERTILITY
  • ABORTIONS
  • POOR GROWTH OF YOUNGSTOCK
  • SCOURING.
• They might occur in the whole herd or a group of animals or two individuals
• Sporadic occurrences that may last a few days to months.

MYCOTOXIN RISK ASSESMENT

Forages and feeds (Tick if applicable)

• Are you feeding high dry matter forages?
• Is there any soil contamination of your forage?
• Is there evidence of spoilage or heating in any feeds?
• Were there any unusual pre- or post-harvest weather conditions?
• Has poor performance coincided with any dietary changes?

Herd health and performance

• Has there been any inconsistency of milk yields?
• Are your cows showing symptoms of acidosis?
• Have you noticed any inconsistency in dung quality?
• Do you have any other unexplained concerns?

If you have ticked any of the above then it is possible that your herd may be facing a mycotoxins challenge and you should take action, as follows:

Mycotoxin Action Plan

1. Consult your vet and/or your feed advisor
2. Eliminate any other possible causes of the problem
3. Remove (or minimise the use of) any suspect or contaminated feeds
4. Ensure the total diet is geared to a fully functioning rumen and a healthy cow
5. Add Mycosorb at the rate recommended by your feed advisor

MYCOSORB

Is a patented yeast cell wall extract for inclusion in the daily feed. It is rich in glucens that are known to bind mycotoxins, they have a vast surface area, so not much is needed. The product is heat stable and natural and has a broad spectrum action over a range of mycotoxins.

Where mycotoxins have been identified, feeding Mycosorb Farm Pack showed an average response of 1.2 litres per day.

Reference / Further Reading

Mycotoxins - General symptoms of mycotoxicosis...

Mycotoxins: What are they? ...

Mycobond R...

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