Mycotoxins occur in animal feeds when moisture and temperature (humidity) combine to allow the growth of fungi which, when stressed, produce mycotoxins.
Specific mycotoxins, when present in sufficient quantities, will cause a range of symptoms from behavioural issues to reproductive and immunological disorders. These mycotoxins are present in most plant feedstuffs including grain (wheat maize, barley), grain by-products (bran), protein by-products (soya, DDGS, canola, PKE) as well as forages including silages, hays, straw and some grass varieties. The level of mycotoxin present will depend on growing conditions, storage and time of the year.
Multiple mycotoxins are often present in single samples of feed and while levels may be low, the synergistic nature of these mycotoxins means that together they can cause more damage than when found alone. The symptoms of mycotoxicosis are varied.
An example is ryegrass in summer which, at the base of the sward, is the perfect environment for fungi growth. The ryegrass endophytes (fungi) produce a mycotoxin called Lolitrem B, which when ingested results in a condition called “ryegrass staggers” in ruminants and horses often characterised by tremors, flighty animals, heat stress, lower fertility and even death.
Another example is a mycotoxin called zearalenone which is present in the soil and may contaminate various crops including grains. Zearalenone has potent oestrogenic properties and can therefore, as a result, induce oestrus causing abortion.
Relative Binding Ability in the Mixed Test as a % of Single Test
Fig 1. Comparison of binding of mycotoxins in multiple solution by Fusion® Dyad compared to single toxin solution
The old adage that treatment is better than cure applies to mycotoxicosis. The most widely used products are what we call mycotoxin binders which have a wide range of activity against the
various mycotoxins present in most feedstuffs. Fusion DYAD™ is a an ACVM registered* mycotoxin binder product designed to aid in the management of negative effects of feed borne mycotoxins.
Fusion DYAD™ is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No A011062
When summer temperatures rise, Levucell SC®helps maximise milk production
As part of your Summer Management programme, LEVUCELL® SC helps to maximise diet potential and your Income Over Feed Costs.
- Milk yield: +1.2 to 2.5 Litres/cow/day
- Increased feed efficiency : up to 7%*, +120g of milk/kg/Dry Matter Intake.
- Optimises rumen pH (less risk of acidosis).
LEVUCELL® SC is a rumen specific Live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae I-1077, selected through collaboration with INRA (France).
For more information, please contact your feed distributor or Lallemand.
*Marfola, et al, ADSA 2010.
