Sponsored: 3 Keys to Mycotoxins and Reproductive Performance
No dairy is immune to the negative effects of mycotoxins on animal health and performance. Mycotoxins may suppress a cow’s immunity, reduce nutrient utilization, alter reproductive performance, reduce feed consumption, irritate tissues—especially in the gastrointestinal tract—and cause cellular death.
When it comes to dairy reproduction, mycotoxins have been associated with irregular estrous cycles, embryonic mortalities, pregnant cows showing estrus and decreased conception rates.
1. It’s a complicated picture.
The fact is mycotoxins are common, perhaps even more so than you might realize. Globally, as high as 75 percent or more of ration ingredients may be contaminated by one or more mycotoxin. Most fungi may produce several mycotoxins simultaneously and the mycotoxins produced depend on the feedstuff and crop growing conditions.1
Further, mycotoxins can be formed anywhere along the feed chain where molds may exist—in the field, at harvest, throughout storage, at some point in processing or even during feed out.
Feed analyses, while valuable, do not find every mycotoxin species present—nor is every species identified or its effects documented. Not all mycotoxins are harmful to animal health and performance, but much remains unknown about these secondary metabolites.
2. Mycotoxins affect immune function.
Researchers are learning a great deal more about the ties between gut health and overall immune function, especially as they relate to mycotoxins. This is of key interest because immune suppression is one of the ways mycotoxins exert their effects.2
Intestinal cells are the first cells to be exposed to mycotoxins, and often at higher concentrations than other tissues. Maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal tract is crucial as it ensures that nutrients are absorbed at an optimum rate and provides efficient protection against pathogens through its own immune system.1
The result affects the animal on two levels—locally (at the point of attack) and systemically if the release of inflammatory compounds reduces immunity in other parts of the body. That ripple effect begins when gut health is compromised and tissues are irritated. This often opens the door for opportunistic diseases that also reduce immune function, negatively impacting reproductive performance—including cyclicity and pregnancy retention—and animal productivity.
3. Rethink your mycotoxin management approach.
It’s time to manage mycotoxins in the same way dairies have successfully addressed subclinical milk fever and subclinical ketosis. Assume it is present and take steps to proactively manage your herd to reduce negative effects.
Research shows that refined functional carbohydrates (RFCs) can counteract mycotoxins and prevent them from being absorbed through the gut and into the blood circulation.
In addition, immune suppression caused by mycotoxins can be reversed by beta 1,3/1,6 glucans and mannans present in RFCs, allowing the cow to further protect itself against pathogens. As a result, nutrient uptake is maintained, leading to better feed efficiency and animal performance.
This level of protection enables animals to devote energy to all functions—especially reproduction—instead of staving off infections or struggling to maintain nutrient uptake.
To learn more, visit AHanimalnutrition.com.
1 Grenier B, Applegate TJ. Modulation of Intestinal Functions Following Mycotoxin Ingestion: Meta-Analysis of Published Experiments in Animals. Toxins 2013;5(2):396-430.
2 Whitow LW, Hagler WM. Mycotoxins in Dairy Cattle: Occurrence, Toxicity, Prevention and Treatment. Michigan State University. Available at: https://live-ccms.pantheonsite.io/sites/default/files/mycotoxins.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2017.
