Throughout the summer and fall, farmers have taken the time to ensile their feed to the best of their ability, keeping proper packing, bunker covering, and limited oxygen exposure top of mind. Now that the harvesting equipment has been put away and some farmers are beginning to dip into these newly harvested feeds, mycotoxins may make their presence known by affecting the herd in various ways. In a Miner Institute Farm Report, researcher Gift Omoruyi highlighted ways in which farmers can prevent and mitigate the effects of mycotoxins in their feed.
Mycotoxins are any toxic substance that is produced by a fungus. These substances have been known to cause disease or even death in humans and animals if not taken care of properly. “Hundreds of mycotoxins have been identified, but the most common ones include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisins, zearalenone, nivalenol, and deoxynivalenol,” said Omoruyi. Produced by molds, these mycotoxins can be found on feedstuffs and can begin to grow before, during, and after harvest under the right conditions.
As plants are exposed to stressful elements such as drought, moisture, and physical damage, they become more susceptible to mold growth. But this also means that cows are exposed to more mycotoxins as mycotoxins become more prevalent. Mycotoxins have been known to significantly suppress feed intake, alter rumen fermentation, affect reproduction, and reduce feed utilization.
There are measures that we can take to mitigate the effects of mycotoxins in our feed. The use of fungicides at the correct time and proper tilling practices can help control mycotoxins. “To prevent the growth of molds during storage, the pH should be reduced as quickly as possible, and proper packing, covering, and complete oxygen removal should be ensured,” the researcher encouraged. Other options such as the use of inoculants and feed additives such as binders, enzymes, and probiotics can also be used to control mycotoxin issues at the farm level.
Nutritionists try their best to ensure that the digested ration is as close to the formulated ration as possible. Mycotoxins may throw the ration for a loop and alter the ration significantly, beyond the nutritionist’s control. “If there is a concern about the feed you have grown, bought, or have in the bunk, it’s worth testing such feeds to understand the potential impact of any mycotoxins present, and to decide on changing your feeding strategy or consider including a binder in the diet,” Omoruyi noted.
