Feed hygiene – reacting correctly to mould, yeast and toxins
© Countrypixel - stock.adobe.com
It is not only yeast, mould and mycotoxins in feed that put strain on the liver, reduce feed intake and weaken the immune system. Endotoxins also have a negative impact on performance and health.
High and stable feed intake is crucial for the cow's nutrient supply and thus for her health and milk yield. Especially at the beginning of lactation, insufficient feed intake and the resulting energy deficit lead to metabolic problems and fertility disorders.
Multiple challenges
The reheating of silage or the detection of yeast and mould is often equated with the presence of mycotoxins. However, this is not necessarily the case. Mycotoxins can also contaminate feed without the silage becoming warm or showing signs of yeast and mould contamination. In addition, suboptimal feeding conditions can lead to the formation of endotoxins. All of these undesirable substances have different causes. It is therefore important to carefully examine the type of contamination present and take appropriate measures in feeding.
Reheating
Reheating the feed ration reduces its palatability and energy content and significantly impairs feed intake. Reheating occurs when the temperature of the silage is already 2 °C higher than the ambient temperature. It is caused by a strong proliferation of yeast and mould in the ration. The oxygen introduced by mixing and the ingredients in the ration, such as sugar and starch, provide optimal living conditions for harmful organisms. The risk of reheating is particularly high at warm temperatures. The yeast and mould cause odour changes through decomposition processes, which lead to a decrease in feed acceptance. Studies show that reheated feed reduces intake by more than 10% (see Fig. 1).
Yeast and mould
If the ration on the feed table becomes warm, this results in energy loss and reduced feed intake. In addition, reheating always indicates spoilage (e.g. by yeast). Yeast can trigger udder diseases. Even if the ration does not become warm, yeast contamination may still be present, as this does not necessarily lead to reheating.
In the event of unexplained performance losses or sudden udder problems after a silage change, it is therefore advisable to have the silage analysed for yeast and mould and to ensure that the limit values are complied with (see Fig. 2). If these are exceeded, the ration must be stabilised. Liquid products such as SCHAUMASIL 5.0 or granulates such as SILOSTAR TMR PROTECT are suitable. In addition, the use of RINDAVITAL VARIO PROTECT is useful to support metabolism (see Fig. 3).
Mycotoxins
The use of pure toxin binders is useful if mycotoxins are actually present in the feed. This applies in particular to DON and ZEA. An analysis provides information about the contamination. If this exceeds the limit values, a toxin binder such as SCHAUMASAN BASIS can remove a large proportion of the toxins from the body. SCHAUMASAN BASIS is an effective combination of clinoptilolite, bentonite and the active ingredient CERAGEL from algae. In addition to mycotoxins, CERAGEL can also bind endotoxins, which are produced when, for example, rumen microbes die as a result of acidosis.
The leak in the intestine
Any kind of stress or increased strain causes the intestinal mucosa to become permeable, leading to what is known as leaky gut syndrome. This allows toxins and other undesirable substances to enter the metabolism and impair milk yield, fertility and animal health. With antioxidants, live yeasts, buffer substances, selected vitamins and a toxin binder, RINDAVITAL VARIO PROTECT offers all-round protection for your herd in stressful situations or under unfavourable feeding conditions.
