8/07/2006, 1:29 PM CDT Agriculture.com
As drought continues to stress livestock and grazing land in the
Midwest, many producers will now have to consider another economic
setback: mycotoxins.
According to Dr. James Pierce, coordinator of monogastric nutrition
at Alltech, drought can bring more mycotoxins to the farm as plants
become stressed and more susceptible to disease and infection. "Historically
the worst mycotoxin years are also drought years," Pierce said.
The 2001 research paper "Current concepts in feed-borne mycotoxins
and the potential for dietary prevention of mycotoxicose," shows
moisture content during the growing and harvesting periods is one
key factor in minimising fungal infestation in crops and mycotoxin
accumulation in feedstuffs. The researchers, led by Dr. Trevor Smith
of the University of Guelph, stated, during periods of drought, there
have been increased reports of fungal penetration and mycotoxin contamination
of feed grains.
Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by molds in stored grain,
forage, silage and in some pasture grasses. During a drought, these
molds are stressed and can produce mycotoxins such as Aflatoxin, Fumonisins,
Vomitoxin, T-2 and Ochratoxin and others that can contaminate feed.
These molds reduce nutritive value and create dust and off-flavors
that affect palatability. Dairy and beef cattle can suffer from poor
feed conversion, reduced milk production, organ damage and fertility
problems. Mycotoxicoses in poultry and swine can create problems from
reduced feed intake, growth performance and immune function to lasting
organ damage and infertility.
Pierce said that there is no "safe" level of mycotoxins
in feed. "There are regulated limits on mycotoxins, but the discovery
of one in your grain does not tell you if that is the only one,"Pierce
said. "Also they seem to work in synergy thus compounding their
negative effects." This can create a dilemma in the field and
leave an economic impact on producers.
While there is no known way to prevent the formation of mycotoxins,
Pierce had a few suggestions for producers to battle fungal growth.
"Proper drying and storage techniques are a good defense,"
Pierce said. "Also the use of a quality mycotoxin control agent
is essential to ensure animal health."
