The Silent Threat: Managing Mycotoxins in Dairy Feed
Introduction Dairy production is an intricate process that involves nutrition, health, and productivity. But one of the biggest threats, which is often neglected, is mycotoxins . These secondary toxic metabolites of certain molds or fungi are capable of slowly ruining the financial gains from your farm and the well-being of your herd. What Are Mycotoxins? Mycotoxins are substances made by molds or fungi that live on crops out in the field and even when stored. Although mold infestations can be readily observed, mycotoxins cannot be seen, smelled, or affected by heating. In a dairy environment, they usually find their way into the cow's feed in silage, hay, and grains. Warning Signs That Your Herd Could be Impacted Diagnosis of mycotoxicosis is not easy due to the presence of overlapping signs that resemble other metabolic diseases or infections. Look out for these "warning signs": •Irregular Feed Intake: The cow may show resistance to eating or engage in " slug fe...