fusinfo

The most accepted approach to preventing the transfer of mycotoxins across the intestinal lining into the blood stream, is to block the intestinal

transfer with a feed additive compound that will effectively bind up the mycotoxin in a manner that fully protects the animal from the toxin. An effective mycotoxin blocker will bind the mycotoxin molecule, protect the body from negative effects of the toxin and transfer the mycotoxin out of the body with the manure.

A tremendous amount of research has been done to determine which compounds are most effective in dealing with particular mycotoxins. Non-polarized clays (such as calcium bentonite or sodium bentonite) and charcoals have been traditionally used for years in an attempt to block mycotoxins in the ration; however, research shows that these compounds are not the best option.

Immune System Relief Is A Key Focus

There are over 400 different types of mycotoxins known to science. Of these, at least 30 mycotoxins are of particular concern for livestock production. Because there can be more than one mycotoxin in the feed (many times there are several at one time), it is desirable to have a mycotoxin blocker that iseffective on a wide range of mycotoxins, not just one or two. Another concern is that when there are multiple mycotoxins in the ration, even if they are each below tolerance levels, there will be a synergistic effect that can cause as much or more damage to the animal, than if there was only one mycotoxin at a high level. Ultimately the measure of a mycotoxin blocker’s true efficacy needs to be whether or not the animal is given ‘relief’ from the mycotoxin. Ultimately, successful mycotoxin blocking can be determine by improved cow performance and by an improvement in immune function, determined with higher levels of IgG production.

Why Clays And Charcoals Are Not The Best Choice As Mycotoxin Blockers
Clays and Charcoals:

1. Have limited mycotoxin blocking efficacy (with zero function on many key mycotoxins).

2. Provide no immune system relief to the cow, indicating a less than functional performance.
3. Are non-polarized binding agents that have limited efficacy on mycotoxins.

4. Can tie up some essential nutrients in the diet, i.e. macro minerals, trace minerals, vitamins, amino acids and carbohydrates.

5. Can contain a wide array of undesirable compounds such as heavy metals.

6. Require higher inclusion rates and can dilute the ration more than necessary.

Nature’s Better Alternative

Research has shown that nature provides a much better mycotoxin blocker alternative than having to use clay and/or charcoal based materials. This better blocker comes in the form of a material containing B-1, 3 glucans and is derived from the wall of a cell. These glucans are a fibrous carbohydrate that are not broken down by enzymatic action in the digestive tract and are naturally found in the cell walls of many organisms.

This fibrous carbohydrate is composed of long chains of glucose (polysaccharides), with a high surface area. The high surface area is very effective in attracting, binding with, and neutralizing the impact of mycotoxins in the body. Glucans meet many key criteria of what a good mycotoxin blocker should accomplish. These glucans are formulated into Crystal Creek’s ‘Fuse 207’

Why ‘Fuse 207’ Is A Better Choice

Fuse 207 contains ‘cell wall glucans’ that:

1. Have a high mycotoxin blocking capacity.

2. Works quickly to tie up mycotoxins.

3. Works on a wide range of mycotoxins.

4. Provides significant immune system relief to the cow, higher IgG levels.

5. Does not tie up nutrients in the ration.

6. Are stable in the digestive tract.

7. Are effective at removing mycotoxins through the feces.

8. Are effective at low inclusion rates.

9. Are economical to feed.

Left untreated, mycotoxins can have serious adverse effects on the health, performance and profitability of a dairy herd. Put your strategy together today using Fuse 207 and protect the investment you have in your herd.

Watch Out For Molds And Mycotoxins

Molds and mycotoxins can have negative impacts on

herd health, productivity, and ultimately your bottom line.

Mycotoxin Triggers

Molds are found ubiquitously in the environment. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain molds (fungi) and are poisonous to both humans and livestock. Environmental stressors such as temperature or precipitation extremes, insect damage, as well as soil imbalances can elicit the production of mycotoxins. Harvest, storage, and feed-out conditions can also promote mold growth and mycotoxin production, especially with poorly fermented silages.

Types of Molds/Mycotoxins

There are over thirty mycotoxins applicable to livestock. Aspergillus mold species are often associated with hot and dry weather conditions, with aflatoxin production occurring pre- and post-harvest. Fusarium molds tend to grow in the field before harvest time, producing deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin/DON), T-2 Toxin, zearalenone, and fumonisin mycotoxins, but can continue to proliferate after harvest. The Penicillium mold species prefer cool and wet conditions, and are more likely to grow once feeds are in storage.

Modes of Action and Toxic Effects of Mycotoxins

Despite being partially metabolized in the rumen, mycotoxins exhibit a variety of adverse effects on dairy cattle through the following modes of action:

1. Reduced feed intake

2. Altered nutrient metabolism and absorption

3. Endocrine/exocrine system disruptions

4. Lowered immune function

Acute toxicosis can occur when mycotoxin levels are high enough, but even moderate or low levels can compromise rumen function, milk production, and reproductive performance, as well as cause loose and/or bloody manure and general unthriftiness. Mycotoxins are also known to modify lactic acid metabolism in the rumen, resulting in acidosis, hemorrhagic bowel syndrome, sore feet, laminitis, and milk fat depression.

Mycotoxin Testing

Testing feeds accurately for mycotoxins is not a simple task. Currently, feed testing laboratories offer analysis services for only a few of the more prevalent mycotoxins (aflatoxin, vomitoxin, T-2 toxin, zearalenone, and fumonisin). If vomitoxin is present it can be used as an indicator for other unidentified mycotoxins in the feed. Mycotoxins are usually not evenly distributed in feedstuffs, so it is difficult to obtain a representative sample. This makes routine testing of feeds even more critical.

Risk Assessment

It is often difficult to evaluate the presence of molds and mycotoxins on any given dairy farm. A common misconception is “if I cannot see the mold, then I do not have a mold issue with my feed.” This is not necessarily the case and is a classic example where “looks can be deceiving.” An unsuspecting feedstuff may appear to be uncontaminated, yet contain high levels of mold and/or mycotoxins. Additionally, the same feed could have a low mold spore count and still be highly concentrated with mycotoxins.

Dealing with Mycotoxins

Once the above factors have been established, a strategy to minimize/reduce mycotoxin uptake can be implemented. If possible, dilute the mycotoxin concentration in the diet by using “clean” feed ingredients and try to avoid feeding contaminated feedstuffs to dry cows, springing heifers, and calves. In addition, it is a good idea to supplement the feed with an effective toxin binder (matching the amount of binder to the toxin level) such as Crystal Creek’s Check-M. Mycotoxins are very stable and persistent compounds; therefore, it is not possible to decontaminate feeds. As always, proper forage management (ensiling at the correct moisture level and minimizing oxygen exposure) can go a long way to help minimize mold growth in stored feeds. If you have any additional questions, please give Crystal Creek a call at 1-888-367-6777.

Common Mold and Mycotoxin Concentration Guidelines*

Mycotoxin	Low Level	High Level
Aflatoxin	<5 ppb	>20 ppb
Vomitoxin/DON	<2 ppm	>2 ppm
Zearalenone	<300 ppb	>300 ppb
T-2 Toxin	<100 ppb	>100 ppb
Mold Count	10,000 colonies/gram	>100,000 colonies/gram

*Adapted from Dairyland Labs, Inc. Arcadia, WI