DON’T OVERLOOK THE THREAT FROM MYCOTOXINS THIS WINTER
26 September 2014
Dairy producers are being warned not to overlook the very real threat posed by mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs this winter. Analysis of UK forages and straights by Micron Bio-systems last year showed that 75% of all samples contained mycotoxins, with 90% of those positive for multiple mycotoxins.
“Unfortunately, this summer’s warm, humid conditions are likely to make the problem even worse,” states Dr Derek McIlmoyle, AB Vista’s GB & Ireland Technical Director. “Remember that even very low levels of two or three different mycotoxins can have an additive effect, and be more damaging than a single mycotoxin at higher levels.”
The potential impact can be substantial. In addition to lower milk yields, reduced butterfat levels and poorer fertility, mycotoxin ingestion can weaken the cow’s immune system, leading to an increase in mastitis cases and higher cell counts.
“Adding only mould-free feeds or forages to the ration will minimise the risk of mycotoxin ingestion, and optimising rumen function will increase the ability of certain rumen microbes to render ingested mycotoxins less harmful,” Dr McIlmoyle adds. “But both can be hard to achieve every day for every cow in the herd.
“As a result, more and more herds are now including a high quality mycotoxin deactivator like Ultrasorb as a low-cost protection against potential lost production. Compared to the possible loss in income, it’s a small price to pay to protect milk output and cow health.”
For those interested in further information, a seminar on the most recent results from the survey into mycotoxin levels in the UK and their potential negative effects on cow health and performance will be presented during the Bath & West Dairy Show at 10am on the 1st October in The Showering Pavilion Lecture Theatre.
For more information, contact AB Vista on +44(0)1672 517 650 or info@abvista.com.
ends
Notes to editor:
AB Vista is a leading global supplier of micro-ingredients for the animal feed industry.
For further press information please contact Nic Daley or Mike Keeler on +44 (0)20 8647 4467.
ABV/027/14
Tags:
