Things You Need To Know About Storage Mycotoxin

Mycotoxins are a common problem on farms, and are natural substances produced by moulds. All natural materials and many man-made ones are subject to contamination by moulds and under favourable environmental conditions, when temperature and moisture are conducive, these fungi proliferate and may produce mycotoxins. Over 500 mycotoxins have been identified and this number is steadily increasing.

The impact of these Mycotoxins however can be severe on cattle, pigs, horses, poultry and fish. Moulds grow well on both forage and grains before they are harvested. Mycotoxin inhibitors can control the new fungal growth in crops. But that does not put an end to mould contamination as Storage Mycotoxins are very common in animal feed that is stored after the crop harvest. There are several reasons behind the growth of moulds and related Mycotoxins in a storage environment.

Factors promoting Mycotoxin contamination in storage feed:

• Poor drying conditions and the presence of more than 12% - 15% air moisture.
• Poor sealing and packaging.
• Delayed sealing of foraging and feed grain materials.
• Cold damp temperatures.
• Shady poor storage areas.
• Delayed harvesting of field crops.
• Silages.
• Well aerated atmosphere.
  

Types of storage moulds and related Mycotoxins:

The two most common storage fungi are Aspergillus and Penicillium. These moulds are tolerant to acids and they frequently occur in silages. There are several species related to these two moulds that produce toxic secondary metabolites known as Mycotoxins that commonly contaminate feed grains and foraging materials.

• The Mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus are - Aflatoxin, Fumitoxins, Ochratoxins, Cyclopiazonoic acid, Gliotoxin, Sterigmatocystin, Fumitremorgens etc. All the toxins can be found in great numbers in contaminated storage grains.  Aflatoxin deserves a special mention as it is the most common and it is heavily carcinogenic and can cause many issues within farm animals.
• The Mycotoxins produced by Penicillium are - Ochratoxin, Citrinin, Patulin, PR toxin, Roquefortin C, Penetrem, Mycophenolic acid, etc. Among these Ochratoxin, PR toxin and Patulin are the most common.
  

Clinical symptoms of storage toxin contamination:

• In the case of Aflatoxin: Reduced milk production, reduced immune responses, reduction in rumen motility, damaged liver (can even lead to hepatic cancer), frequent abortions, etc.
• In the case of Ochratoxins: Easily absorbed by the animal gut this Mycotoxin reduces protein synthesis in the animal’s body, effects the immune system adversely, affects kidneys, reduces normal enzyme actions, reduces cellular respiration, causes abortions and can even lead to cancer.
• In the case of PR toxins: Disturbs rumen homeostasis, retained placental conditions with frequent abortions, reduces normal feed intake, lethargy, irritation and inflammation of gut, etc.
  

In the case of Patulin: Reduced rumen function, reduced digestive capacity, carcinogenic and death. 

How the Alltech Mycotoxin Management Program Can Break The Cycle Of Livestock Infections from Storage Mycotoxins

Toxicity in animal feed is one of the primary issues that most livestock farmers are facing in modern times. Technology has provided alternative feed arrangements to help livestock farmers cut back on feeding costs. However, the hidden risk associated with feed is low performance and increased animal infections due to storage moulds or Mycotoxins. With the launch of the Alltech Mycotoxins Management program, there is a possibility for farmers and producers to mitigate the threat from Mycotoxins.

Development of mycotoxins in pre-harvest and storage feed

Most varieties of mycotoxins are generated with the growth of the 4 main varieties of moulds pre harvest or with the storage of animal feeds. These moulds lead to the growth of some of the most vicious mycotoxins, which can affect a large variety of species including poultry, pigs, and ruminants. These mycotoxins affect the general health, performance, and reproductive qualities of the animals. Here is a look at these 4 major moulds.

• Fusarium – These are most commonly found in pre harvest crops and can even lead to mycotoxin production in live plants. Once the crops are harvested, the mould disappears but the mycotoxin levels remain constant.
• Aspergillus – One of the easier to find moulds in storage grains that can lead to the growth of mycotoxin levels.
• Pennicillum- Another very popular mould occurring in harvested grains, which leads to the growth of dangerous storage mycotoxins such as roquefortine C, and mycophenolic acid.
• Claviceps – Often leads to the production of masked mycotoxins, which are very difficult to detect under normal scans for toxicity in storage grains.
  

Once the symptoms of Mycotoxin Contamination are found in the livestock, farmers should start the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program to mitigate the threat posed by Mycotoxins – the hidden profit robbers.

Alltech 37+

The Alltech 37+ test is the cornerstone of an effective mycotoxin control program, and has been developed to detect the presence of over 37 different strains of mycotoxins in storage feed. The test can be applied to a number of alternative raw materials commonly used as feed. The test results help form part of a detailed report that can lead to the development of customised results and strategies for individual farms and producers according to particular challenges they face and the type of livestock species involved.

Alltech MIKO

This program has been developed based on the principles of HACCP. The program is an analysis strategy for existing and new feed coming in to your storage. It helps create a strategy that is most likely to break your cycle of mycotoxin contamination that is drastically affecting your animals. The strategy involves creating strategic checkpoints and refining a checking process to help record all vital feed information and monitor new procedures of preparing the feed.