MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS IN BEEF CATTLE By: Elizabeth Belew, Ph.D., Patrick Gunn, Ph.D., and Ted Perry, Cattle Nutritionists with Purina Animal Nutrition What are Mycotoxins? Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by a fungus, such as molds. They play a crucial role in the environment by breaking down organic matter which can be
incredibly beneficial for row-crop enterprises here in the Corn belt; however, they can cause reduced animal productivity and increased morbidity and mortality. Cool, wet growing seasons can delay harvest
resulting in mold and mycotoxins growing on the grain. Storing grains, feedstuffs, and forages at higher than normal moisture levels or in poor storage units also may increase mold-related problems. It should be emphasized that looks can be deceiving, as mycotoxins can be present on feeds that have little or no visible mold. What are the most common types? There are several types of mycotoxins that can negatively impact beef cattle performance. The common mycotoxins presence in livestock feeds are outlined below.
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Patrick Gunn, Ph.D. (317) 967-4345 pgunn@landolakes.com 60 | Ohio Cattleman | Expo Issue 2021
Cy Prettyman, Sales Specialist (740) 360-5358 clprettyman@landolakes.com
Vomitoxin is on many producer’s minds this year as there have been multiple hot spots identified throughout the state of Ohio during corn harvest. Vomitoxin, also known as deoxynivalenol or DON, is a toxin produced by several species of pink mold fusarium. It is a natural toxin that forms when conditions are cold and wet where the grain is grown. In animals, it may cause feed refusal, immune suppression, diarrhea, weight loss, reduced milk production, and in some cases, vomiting (more common in monogastrics).Wheat is another grain commonly affected and as such, byproducts from corn and wheat milling industries can likely concentrate DON in the by-products used for feed. While DON is typically the only toxin tested for at grain receiving stations, it is incredibly important to understand that there is a myriad of toxins that can negatively impact
