Beef farmers should test for mycotoxins in feed

Beef farmers need to be testing for mycotoxins to ensure they’re using the correct binder, according to Alltech global manager Nick Adams.

Mr Adams admitted that mycotoxins in beef was not a particularly “sexy subject” and research had largely centered on the effect of mycotoxins in dairy animals due to their high production pressures.

However he said this did not mean beef animals were exempt from mycotoxin challenges.

Often single mycotoxins posed a low risk, he said, but the biggest threat comes from the combination of multiple ones.

A sample of 356 TMR tested in the past 12 months contained between six and eight mycotoxins.

Mr Adams said beef producers should focus on testing finished diets such as TMR to evaluate risks.

“The risk of the finished diet can point you in the direction of the solution you need.

“Whatever product you are looking to buy should not only bind mycotoxin X, but also A, B and C simultaneously,” he added.

In the US, one farmer who finishes 40,000 head of beef cattle has reduced mortality from 2% to 0.004% by using a mycotoxin binder in the transition ration, he explained.

Mr Adams recommended small, simple steps should be taken to manage mycotoxin challenges on farm.

Often farmers see that compound feed is getting low and they mix more and add it to the old batch, he said.

However he warned moulds could build up and instead advised farmers to clean out the area before replenishing stocks.

“One thing we see more of in the beef industry [compared to the dairy] is poorly managed silage clamps.

He said the same principles could be applied to clamp management to manage risks.

“Reducing heating on the face can help reduce the risk of moulds going into the TMR wagon,” he added.

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