Often hidden hazards in beef cattle diets, mycotoxins can create a variety of problems including impaired immune response which can lead to secondary infections, compromised growth rates, reduced reproductive performance, lameness and gangrene. Illnesses caused by mycotoxins can be difficult to identify and treatment with antibiotics has little to no effect. Therefore, knowing the threat presented by mycotoxins and the appropriate prevention measures to implement are key to reducing the risk to cattle.
Mycotoxins are produced by certain types of fungi, including mould, and can be present in virtually all of the forages and other feedstuffs that cattle consume. Just because mould or ergot bodies can’t be seen in forage, grain or screenings is no guarantee that mycotoxins aren’t present. These toxins are invisible, colourless and odourless. In addition, the presence of multiple mycotoxins within a single feed can have an increased negative impact on the animal.
When Are Mycotoxins the Biggest Risk?
- If feed is suspected to be contaminated, or if conditions have been favourable for mycotoxin production.
- If mould is visibly present in a feed being fed to cattle and it makes up a large portion of the diet.
- If significant changes in production performance or health are observed in a large percentage of the herd.
- If performance or health declines have no obvious cause.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Cattle?
Reducing the risk of mycotoxins boils down to four factors – awareness, feed testing, additional best practices for feed quality, and best practices to keep animals healthy.