Bruce Woodacre, Knowledge Management, UK

All the problems with the health of ruminants, which have no explanation in the field, are called a «problem with mycotoxins»! And often these comments we hear from those who sell mycotoxin adsorbents ... What do you think about this?

Mycotoxins may well become a new threat. Here we have a dilemma: on the one hand, mycotoxicoses (especially of subclinical or subacute form) is much more widespread than is commonly believed, on the other — not every case of poor reproduction is due to mycotoxins! The problem is that the classic symptoms of a single mycotoxin, can be seen, fortunately, very rare, severe cases are also quite rare. Basically you’re dealing with a complex of nonspecific symptoms caused by low concentrations of several toxins, and they are difficult to distinguish from other factors of reproduction. As a diagnostic tool you’re using an adsorbent, you really will see that it is faster and cheaper way than when you do a regular analysis.

Are there any common symptoms for dairy cattle, which may indicate possible contamination of feed with mycotoxins?

The symptoms for cattle are mainly non-specific, but may include:

• Reduced feed intake and / or refusal from feed;

• lack of response to treatment;

• Poor development, perhaps exhaustion;

• Wool is uneven and dull;

• reproduction is below normal (even with a well-balanced diet);

• various kinds of disorders of reproduction (miscarriages, false heat, low fertility, irregular cycles, etc.);

• periodic diarrhea or constipation (may be bloody);

• suppression of the immune system (more often than usual, the occurrence of diseases caused by conditionally pathogenic microflora: mastitis, metritis, problems with hooves, etc.);

• frequent metabolic disorders in fresh cows.

Are the mycotoxins affecting the cows and bulls samely?

In general, the metabolism of bull is the same as that of the cows. However, they are less susceptible to mycotoxins through the slow passage of Bol feed in the rumen. Thanks to the rumen microbes time to metabolize the toxins. Breeding bulls having affected food can significantly reduce sperm quality and reproductive quality.

As far as mycotoxins may increase the incidence of cows or even break the immunity?

Is there any scientific evidence of disorders of the immune function of cattle feeding them with contaminated with mycotoxins feed?

How do and in what concentrations the different mycotoxins effect reproduction quality?

What are the vulnerable groups of animals?

How to feed contaminated with mycotoxins, affect the calves?

Do the mycotoxins affect the quality of the skins of calves?

Answers for these and other questions you can get in the magazine «Milk and Farm» № 1 (8), February 2012.