Environmental Challenges in Feed

Ask an Expert

Environmental Challenges in Feed

John Doerr, PH.D., PAS, DPL, ACAP Agrarian® Solutions

From planting to harvest the scuttlebutt we’ve gotten on mycotoxin issues this year has been, “… not seeing too much this summer,” “… better than last by far,” and “… not getting so many positive toxin reports this season.” Well, we’ve reached the end of the 2021 crop season and the data are now in. Let’s see if these reports were accurate. • You can’t predict mycotoxins in feedstuffs by eye! Much of the 2021 corn and soy crops look really good. But, mycotoxins, and sometimes even the molds that produce them, are found in abundance hidden from our view. Don’t rely on visual cues to determine if mycotoxins are a risk this year. Good testing is the only way to know for sure. • Averages for Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. For the period (May-Sep) average values for all samples submitted were ~130 ppb for zearalenone (moderate risk), ~760 ppb DON (moderate risk), ~140 ppb T-2 toxin (moderate-high risk), and ~300 ppb fumonisins (very low risk). • High values matter. Considering the two points above, average

DON was lower (May-September) this year than last. Keep in mind the reported averages are for all submitted samples, not just DON positives. But the high value for DON was dramatically higher for 2021 silage than for 2020 in the same period. While it is always nice to see some negative reports, a sample showing nearly 16,000 ppb DON means many cows in that herd were under severe DON challenge. • Mycophenolic Acid – a Problem? Mycophenolic acid appeared all too frequently. August shows 60% of all samples submitted were positive for this toxin. Generally, Mycophenolic will be accompanied by another mycotoxin, roquefortine C; however, that toxin is not being tested at this time.

Guide for Mycotoxins in Dairy

Approximate range for potential reaction

Mycotoxin Low Medium High DON (vomitoxin) <300 ppb 300-1,000 ppb >1,000 ppb Zearalenone <100 ppb 100-300 ppb >300 ppb Aflatoxin <10 ppb 10-30 ppb >30 ppb T-2 toxin <75 ppb 75-150 ppb >150 ppb

Fumonisin <600 ppb 600-1,500 ppb >1,500 ppb

• When is mycophenolic acid a risk? Observations of mycophenolic acid over the past two years suggest that dairy cattle risk is likely significant at levels of 1,000-1,500 ppb. • What feedstocks harbor mycophenolic acid? Mycophenolic acid is usually found in silage, particularly corn silage. This year, that toxin has shown up (in fairly high amounts) in TMR, HMC, shell corn, and even first cutting hay. And those samples came from Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, showing a broad geographic range. Actlabs, a global leader in analytical lab services, provides these independent and state of the art results. In each sample, 17 mycotoxins are analyzed and reports provided to producers include estimates of the degree of severity of the concentration(s) found. Complimentary testing is available through your CentralStar team so you know for sure which environmental challenges your dairy may be facing. Mycotoxins can impact herd profitability by reducing milk production, reproduction success and overall herd health. Dairy producers and nutritionists across the U.S. rely on Select DTX and Select BioCycle Plus to resolve the negative impacts of mycotoxins. Talk to your CentralStar team to learn more.

TOXIN CONSEQUENCES DON (vomitoxin)

Reduced feed intake / feed refusal Reduced milk production; reduced milk fat Poor reproductive performances Elevated SCC Impaired immune function Loose, inconsistent manure

Zearalenone

Hyper-estrogenism Poor reproductive performance including: • Short cycle heats • Cystic cows • Multiple ovulations • Vaginitis • Enlarged mammary glands in virgin heifers

Aflatoxin

Liver damage; altered protein synthesis Decreased appetite/off feed Lower milk protein Impaired immune function Increased disease rates Highly interactive Rough hair coat

T-2 toxin

Reduced feed intake Intestinal hemorrhages Frequent defecation Bloody diarrhea Absence of estrous Impaired immune function Increased disease rates

Fumonisin

Reduced feed intake Reduced milk production GI tract ulceration Impaired immune function

Sample Submission Form