With the weather issues of this growing season, news of mycotoxins is no surprise. The past week brought new reports of deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin and fumonisin in corn, as well as the first report of zearalenone in corn silage, according to Neogen’s Monday Mycotoxin and Crop Report reported by Feedstuffs September 24. (link)
Mycotoxins are produced by specific molds and can cause serious problems in cattle ranging from reduced feed intake to a suppressed immune response.
Source: Drovers, June 30, 2017. Link. “If visibly moldy silage is identified, discard it,” Dr. Renato Schmidt advises. “Feeding even small amounts of spoiled silage into a ration has been shown to reduce dry matter intake and NDF digestibility of the whole ration.”
While it may feel like an economic hit, you’re risking more in terms of lost production, herd health and reproduction if you choose to feed spoiled silage.
INSIGHTS: Mycotoxins are important considerations when working with producers to troubleshoot illnesses and production losses. Coordination between veterinarians, nutritionists and producers is an important component of managing herd well-being.