June 18, 2013
Threat of mycotoxins to dairy cows underestimated
The existence of Mycotoxins and theirthreatto dairy cows were underestimated.
Mycotoxins appear in similar levels in forages as in grains. Stored under anaerobic conditions, forages are often considered safe for consumption.However, the graph shows figures from a large scale review(more than 8000 assays) performed over a period of nine years in North Carolina, US.
Perennial ryegrass staggers is an example that proves that grassland is also at mycotoxin risk.
Rumen does not sufficiently protect dairy cows against mycotoxins. However,mycotoxinsdo impair rumen function.Though rumen microflora may metabolize T-2 and DON,detoxification of DON is inexistent once (subclinical) acidosis occurs. Aflatoxin is hardly bio-transformed and at levels above 10 ppb, it eliminates protozoa, which are a part of the microflora and important for fiber digestion.
Elitox, Impextraco's mycotoxin eliminating product, has shown benefits including higher milk production, increased and more uniform feed intake, lower Somatic Cell Count (SCC), less diarrheas, less metabolic disorders, and better body condition.
