HOW to manage the unavoidable risk of mycotoxins in feeds proved a hot topic for the livestock industry at the recent Farm World event in Warragul, Vic.
Dr Susanne Roth, from animal health and nutrition company Alltech, said testing in Australia indicated there were on average of more than five mycotoxins in each feed sample.
A mycotoxin is a toxic chemical produced by fungi and moulds on livestock feeds including grains. Mycotoxins are often only to able to be detected with testing.
“The Alltech Mycotoxin Management Program was developed to help control mycotoxins through a combination of mycotoxin management programs and technologies,” Dr Roth said.
“The Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis program was designed to detect and address the risk caused by more than 37 mycotoxins in finished feeds, raw materials and forages.
“With this program, our team can help to pinpoint the specific cause of a mycotoxin problem and customise recommendations to minimise risks on-farm and increase herd profitability.”
Dr Roth said there was also strong interest in Alltech’s protein management program which included the Alltech product Optigen II, a slow-release nitrogen source.
“Optigen II can help farmers overcome variation in pasture quality and availability,” she said.
“Used on top of a low-protein ration or as a substitute for expensive vegetable protein, Optigen II feeds fibre-digesting bugs, increasing feed efficiency, which leads to improved dry matter intake and milk production.”
Alltech on-farm support team member for East Gippsland, Nigel Griffin, also spoke about the importance of feed efficiency.
“Undigested feed is basically a waste of money in the manure,” Mr Griffin said.
“By examining manure samples on-farm, we are able to estimate the efficiency of rumen fermentation and get an overall picture of rumen health.
“When cows are fed Yea-Sacc to support fibre digestion and assist rumen pH stability, we see a reduction in undigested material. More digested feed means more milk and more money in the pocket of the farmer.”