ETX-5 in Dairy & Calf Feeds

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Molds are fungi which can grow on al-most any animal feedstuff - from corn to almond hulls, corn silage to alfalfa hay. Requiring elevated humidity to germi-nate, they can develop in a growing crop or during storage. Mycotoxins are highly toxic compounds naturally released in the presence of molds. Amount and type of mycotoxin varies with the species of mold, temperature, moisture etc. Exam-ples of sources of mycotoxins are: Harvesting of corn silage under condi-

tions of climatic stress, which can pro-

duce fusarium or aspergillus molds in the silage leading to mycotoxins.

Poor fermentation in silage, in particular any aerobic spoilage, can lead to ‘hot spots’ and mold growth

Corn supplies (for example from the Mid-west) harvested or stored under damp

conditions can develop molds and my-cotoxins. Under warm conditions Aflatox-ins are typically produced. Under cool, damp conditions DON, Zearalenone, T-2, Ochratoxin and Fumonisins are most com-mon.

Mold in other commodities such as citrus, almond hulls, cotton seed, oilseeds, dis-tillers grains and hay—can all result in my-cotoxin production.

Feed Intake Mold and mycotoxins will result in reduced feed value and palatability. A small per-centage of mold in a TMR has an exponen-tial impact on reducing feed intake.

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Dark, hot or moldy areas in silage are a clear indicator of intake problems as well as likely mycotoxin issues affecting fertility and me-tabolism.

Molds & Mycotoxins

Although silage, hay and corn are first suspects for spoiled feed - other feed-stuffs such as citrus, al-mond hulls and oilseeds may be the source of molds and mycotoxins.

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Reduced health and productivity Individual mycotoxins are linked to a range of digestive and metabolic disorders in cat-tle. For example - aflatoxin is linked to re-duced immune defense and growth reduc-tion. DON (deoxynivalenol or vomitoxin) can impact fertility as well as feed rejection or ‘vomiting’ (‘cud chews’). Zearalenone is linked with fertility issues. However - a combination of mycotoxins, even at very low levels, are likely the major concern on dairies and beef units.

Six dairies, from 500 to 2,500 cows, identi-fied with mold and/or mycotoxin chal-lenges, were selected. Typical indications in feeds were as follows: Silage - ‘hot spots’ or signs of mold Corn - blackened corn kernels in rolled or

flaked corn Almond hulls, citrus or other commodities

showing evidence of mold Testing of TMR or individual feeds

showed elevated mold counts (over 10,000 col/gm in some cases).

Animal response to mycotoxins in feed is variable. Some of the more common indi-cators seen in these studies were: Variable manure. Dung pats small and

firm or soft, bubbly (acidotic) with undi-gested fiber and/or grain.

“Cud chews” or regurgitated feed evident on some dairies.

Unthrifty animals, rough coats Increased incidence of retained placentas

and displaced abomasums. Poor conception rates

Within less than a week of introduction of ETX-5 dung piles had become larger and more consistent. There was less evidence of undigested fiber and grain in the dung. Mucus in dung was reduced - particularly evident in calf raising facilities. Feed intake was reported to increase and

be more consistent across the case studies. As digestive upsets came under control - milk yield and quality trended higher. With improved animal vigor came im-proved alertness, better coat condition.

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Animal Indications of Mycotoxins

Loose dung with undigested corn and fiber

ETX-5 Case Studies

Responses Following ETX-5 Addition

A rapid response to ETX-5 was increase in size and improved consistency of dung. Less fiber and undigested corn was evi-dent.

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Incidence of retained placentas were re-duced and there were fewer animals ad-mitted to hospital pens.

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FEED INTAKE(LBS)

FEED INTAKE(LBS)

ETX-5 INTRODUCED

HEATRECORD HEAT

Feed intake data demonstrate the stabilized intake following introduction of ETX-5. Notice how intake hardly dipped below 50 lbs/hd/day following inclusion. Source: California dairy with ‘FeedWatch‘ program

Summary

Mycotoxins pose a frequent challenge on many dairy, beef and calf units. Responses to these challenges are variable - but can be very costly in terms of performance and health. Rapid improvement in overall performance was reported on each of the units where ETX-5 was included in diets.

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