Mycotoxins, invisible toxins that can damage a cows health. Fred Vriend, Prof. Johanna Fink-Gremmels and Teun Sleurink explained the attendees of the Fair Feeding Symposium all about fungi and mycotoxins. An underestimated danger in the dairy and cattle industry.

Fred Vriend CEO of VisscherHolland argued that it all starts in the soil. Which is, after all the starting point of vegetation. “What is, for example the function of the root? Absorbing moisture, is an often heard response. However, it is not the root which absorbs water and nutrients, but the mycorrhiza. This is a fungus root. The mycorrhiza is in fact the link between the soil and the plant. The fungus root has many branches, so that the absorption capacity is much larger.” Fungi are therefore essential for the transport of nutrients.

Unfortunately not all fungi avail, explains Prof. Johanna Fink-Gremmels from the University of Utrecht. A large number of fungi form mycotoxins. These are harmful to both humans and animals. “The toxins affect organs and diminish resistance, making cows more susceptible to infection.” Once mycotoxins are present at the farm, they are difficult to control. According to Fink-Gremmels every cattle farmer should know about several mycotoxins: including the crop specific mycotoxins DON and ZEA. These toxins are often present in the roughage. Besides the harmful effects of mycotoxins to a cows health, they also reduce the palatability of the feed. “A cow will reject the feed, due to the taste and smell. This has a drastic effect on feed intake.”

The tricky part with mycotoxins is that both the toxins and the consequences are difficult to trace. The importance of data analysis is increasing, says Teun Sleurink CEO Dairy Tuner. “From chaos to order, that must be our goal. For example with several tools we can identify problems beforehand. As a result we can take preventive measures.” The risk of fungi is low when the dry matter is ok during ensiling. “If this can not be ensured, then it is wise to use a toxin binder. When the management seems alright, use a toxin binder for the roughage for 3 months.” So that several causes can be ruled out. “It doesn’t cost that much”, according to Sleurink. Soon it is possible to commission a mycotoxin research at the RIKILT Wageningen University. Fink-Gremmels: “In the past this kind of research was very costly, but now it is already possible to commission a research for € 200,- for each silage pit.”

Mycotoxins are often persistent and invisible. Data analysis is not enough, it also requires adjustments on management level. Such as hygienic working practices. Fungi and mycotoxins are also present on tools and the feed mixer. Make sure the rate of feeding is high enough, the longer the food stays at the same place the mold have more chance to grow. Don’t leave any feed residues. The disease symptoms caused by toxins cannot be recognized easily. Fink-Gremmels recommends to keep a close eye on the cow signals, such as a poor rumen function, increased cell count and claw disorders.