Mycotoxin risks and the simple steps you can take to eliminate them
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An ever-increasing issue that we are coming up against year on year is mycotoxin contamination in feed.
Mycotoxins are naturally occurring substances produced when mould in feeds or forages comes under stress. The risk may vary due to weather conditions, harvesting date, management and storage conditions, but today, any given feedstuff is more likely than not to contain mycotoxins — and usually, it will contain several types, which can interact to cause additional problems. As ruminant diets typically contain both concentrates and forages, this also increases the risk of exposure to multiple mycotoxins.
Any crop or forage can harbour mycotoxins, but mycotoxins in forages (grass, hays, silages) present the greatest threat to cattle. Ensiled forages are more likely than dry forages (e.g., hay) to harbour moulds and associated mycotoxins — especially when fermentations and anaerobic conditions are not strictly controlled.
Generally, we associate mycotoxins with quite mouldy feedstuffs. However, while visible moulds, fungi or colour changes on the feed face can be one sign of contamination, we can have situations where even feed that looks totally clean contains large quantities of mycotoxins.
One way to assess whether hidden mycotoxins are present is to keep an eye on the animals. When exposed to mycotoxins, they may show one or more of these signs:
- Reduced appetite;
- Fluctuating forage intakes;
- Decreasing daily live weight gain (DLWG);
- Loose dung, or variable dung consistency within a group of animals;
- Reduced or fluctuating milk yield;
- Poor milk solids.
However, some mycotoxin damage may happen without visible symptoms, or damage to health and productivity may be done before the symptoms appear.
The best safeguard is establishing a regular testing programme of samples from your feedstuffs, such as that offered through the Alltech 37+ laboratories, which can test for dozens of mycotoxin types.
Mycotoxins in ruminant feeds can be a very significant health and performance issue, with problems including:
Compromised gut integrity and rumen function, which may interfere with nutrient absorption from feed.
Suppression of the immune system, which can lead to multiple issues such as swollen hocks, lameness, rough coats and cell count problems, from a raised SCC to increased cases of mastitis, including E. coli mastitis Fertility problems, including irregular heats, cysts, lower conception rates and abortions liver anor kidney damage that may cause internal haemorrhaging and muscle tremors.
While a healthy animal is less susceptible to problems — especially when mycotoxins are only present in low levels — any animal can be at risk.
Mycotoxins are everywhere, and mycotoxin contamination can affect even the most well-run farms — but good planning and good management can go a long way to preventing problems.
Avoid feeding any silage showing signs of mould growth, but remember that mycotoxin contamination is often invisible. One way to prevent it in the first place is through good management around the pit face.
Using a mycotoxin binder in the feed is also very helpful as a preventative measure to avoid any issues showing up on-farm. Mycosorb A+ is one example.
A broad-spectrum binder based on a specific strain of yeast, it tackles mycotoxins as a whole threat, rather than dealing with them individually. As it is a yeast-based binder, it will bind more efficiently to a greater range of mycotoxins, reducing mycotoxin absorption without affecting vitamins and minerals — an expensive and essential part of any diet.
When considering adding a mycotoxin binder to your feed, make sure it fulfills the following essential criteria:
- Proven by independent research;
- A low effective inclusion rate;
- Stability over a wide pH (essential for ensuring the mycotoxin stays attached to the binder throughout the gut and is then excreted);
- Ability to absorb a high capacity and broad spectrum of mycotoxins;
- Ability to react rapidly within the animal.
If you suspect a mycotoxin issue on-farm — or if you simply want to seek advice on prevention — reach out to a trusted advisor and start making a mitigation plan that fits your operation’s needs. It’s never too early to start protecting against this increasingly serious and often hidden threat.
