RESEARCH ON TOXINS IN DAIRY CATTLE

Koch Bodemtechniek / Eurolab supports the FIR system more than 10 years by measuring soil, feed, blood and milk, faeces and manure samples. The start is with taking samples of the faeces of cattle for the analysis of toxins and toxin producing organisms. The misunderstanding exists that with toxins contaminated feed is the main cause of troubles with animal husbandry. Our experience is that the producing of mycotoxins WITHIN the animal is the most important reason of health problems. That is why we first analyse the faeces of the animal to get quick recovery of the problems. The production of toxins within the animal is a process that we can influence. Some of them, like Aspergillus F. and some clostridia are multiplied by protein rich diets. When we lower the protein input, there is a risk that both the milk production and the protein content of the milk are reduced. In our experience with analysis of many farmers at our laboratory, the FIR- system has a solid solution to this problem.

The FIR system starts at the point where we can have the most quick results: feeding the animals. Next to a special balanced and protein low diet a dosage of RIF is combined. With the RIF it is possible to have a good production combined with low protein. In this system the paunch decomposes not only the mycotoxins from the feed, it also prevents forming of toxins in the rest of the intestines. Moreover, some of the remaining entero- and exotoxins can be captured by the RIF mineral. The analysis of faeces are later an extra control of the correct protein level. Economic point of view: the costs of the RIF mineral are mainly earned back by lower costs of protein in case that there are no problems.

The manure of animals that suffered of the actions of toxin producing organisms, contain many of the same organisms. This manure contaminates the soil, and is a new start for problems in the rest of the circle within the dairy farm.

In the soil are organisms that can produce toxins living / breeding and surviving, depending on fertility conditions. The soil is one source of toxins producing organisms in the circle of producing milk in a dairy farm. The analyses that are needed are analysis of the specific organisms and the soil conditions, such as the behaviour of oxygen, and other analysis. (analytical package “soil 2 + toxins producing organisms”)

Feed: The soil that comes into the silage, and the fungi that were formed already on the grass or corn is the basis for toxin contaminated food. When we have a good silage process, the amount of mycotoxins remains the same as the start. When the pH is now low enough, several toxins like mycotoxins and exotoxins are formed in the silage process. We can combine a standard feed analysis completed with minerals and trace elements with an analysis of myco- and other toxins.

The effect of only a few toxins is monitored in milk production. Some of those toxic compounds can be found in milk. Actions in soil fertility, silage management, and most important: a rigid implementation of cattle diets and research their influence on milk quality. Koch Bodemtechniek / Eurolab is prepared to collaborate with other institutes and other parties of interest in the dairy and other husbandry systems.

M y c o t o x i n s  

What is mold?
Mold is a term used to describe various fungi that grow in animal feed and degrade the quality of that feed. Mold growth is estimated to reduce feed value by at least 10%. Mold germinates at temperatures as low as 5 oC, with most rapid growth at 20-35 oC. They require humidity for germination, therefore, an upper limit of 14.5% moisture is recommended for stored corn or milo. Other grains should maintain moisture levels less than 13%.

What are some signs of mold in feed?

What effects do mold and mycotoxins have on feed value and performance?

What are Mycotoxins?

A mycotoxin is a highly toxic by-product of mold growth in feed and grain.  Myco means fungus and toxin means poison.  They represent a broad spectrum of acute and chronic diseases in livestock.  Mycotoxins can remain as a residue in meat and milk, posing a possible threat to human health.  Mycotoxins are poisons generated from the secondary metabolic processes which occur naturally in a variety of molds.  The amount and type of mycotoxin or secondary metabolite varies with environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.  Aspergillus, the mold which produces aflatoxins, grows in warm, dry conditions.  Fusarium, which produces zearalenone and the "T" toxins, grows in cool, wet conditions.

Effects of Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins can have a very wide range of effects on animals depending on quantitative and qualitative aspects of their production in animal feedstuffs. The diseases in animals caused by mycotoxins are referred to as mycotoxicoses..

Mycotoxins act within the animal to:

When and/or where is mold and mycotoxin contamination most likely to occur?
Mycotoxins often occur in the field before harvest. Post-harvest contamination can occur if crop drying is delayed and if, during storage, water activity is allowed to exceed critical limits for mold growth.

KOCH BODEMTECHNIEK ANALYSIS ON MYCOTOXINS 

We can analyse feed on ZEA, DON, Fumonisins en T-2 toxin,

Rectal manure can be analysed on Aspergillus fumigatus (and exotoxins producing bacteria)

Soil samples can be analysed on species of fusarium and exotoxins producing bacteria.

Mycotoxins and their effects on animals

TOXIN	MOLD SPECIES- PRODUCING TOXIN	AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY MOST AFFECTED	SUSCEPTIBLE ANIMAL	BIOLOGICAL EFFECT
Zearalenone	Fusarium graminearum Fusarium tricinctum Fusarium oxysporum	Corn Barley Hay Milo	Swine Rabbits Chickens Turkeys Poults Lambs Cattle	Hyperestrogenism Rectovaginal prolapse Enlargement of the vulva Pseudopregnancy Enlarged mammary gland Hypertrophy of nipples Infertility Reduction of litter size Weak piglets
T-2 Toxin	Fusarium tricinctum Fusarium avenaceum Fusarium solani Fusarium graminearum Fusarium nivale Fusarium lateritium	Cereal grains Hay	Cattle Young calves Chickens Ducklings Turkeys Geese Swine	Haemorrhages Inflammation of the digestive tract Vomiting Feed refusal Loss of appetite Decrease in milk production
DON / Vomitoxin	Fusarium graminearum	Cereal grains	Swine Chickens Cattle Dogs Cats	Vomiting Feed refusal Diarrhoea Weight loss Low feed conversion
Fumonisin	Fusarium moniliforme Fusarium proliferatum	Cereal grains Corn	Horses Swine Humans Cattle	Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) Porcine Pulmonary Edeme (PPE) Oesophageal Cancer (EC)
Aflatoxin	Aspergillus flavus Aspergillus parasiticus	Cereal grains Peanuts Soybeans Tree nuts Milo Copra Cottonseed	Turkeys Ducklings Cattle Swine Rabbits Sheep Chickens Humans All animals	Hepatotoxin Carcinogenic Reduced growth rate Loss of appetite Haemorrhages Increased susceptibility to other diseases
Ochratoxin	Aspergillus ochraceus Penicillium viridicatum	Corn Oats Soybeans Buckwheat Barley Peanuts	Cattle Swine Chickens Ducklings Humans	Hepatotoxin Nephrotoxin Abortion Reduction in growth Delay in sexual maturity Lower rate of egg production

MOLD IDENTIFICATION MOLD COLOR TOXIN PRODUCER COMMENTS Penicillium Green to green-blue Yes - Ochratoxin, Citrinin, Patulin Several potential toxins associated with certain species.  Most common toxin producer in silage. Aspergillus Yellow-green Yes - Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin Found in drought, heat-stressed conditions or insect infested fields. Fusarium White to pinkish-white Yes- Zearalenone, Vomitoxin (DON), T-2 Toxin, Fumonism Common in cold, wet seasons.  Certain strains produce extremely potent toxins. Mucor White/gray None Found especially in sealed corn.  Grows at low temperatures.  Also found in manures and soils. Rhizopus Black/white None Requires high moisture and an advanced decay mold.  Common bread mold. Cladosporium White None Produces yeast like symptoms.  Grows at low temperatures. Interpretation Guidelines for Mold Counts Mold Count Guideline 10 - 10,000 Relatively Safe 10,000 - 100,000 Transition Zone 100,000 - 10,000,000 Caution Advised Over 10,000,000 Feeding may not be recommended

 

Vomitoxin (DON):
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is most commonly produced by the pink mold Fusarium graminearum.  Vomitoxin can cause livestock, especially swine, to reject corn. Diets that are highly contaminated will result in severe vomiting by animals. 

What conditions promote production of vomitoxin?

Symptoms of Vomitoxin *by species of animal

Zearalenone:
Zearalenones are a group of estrogenic metabolites produced from Fusarium graminaerum.  Corn is the major crop effected by Zearalenone.  When Zearalenone-contaminated feed or grain is eaten by livestock, it can cause a wide variety of reproductive problems.  Some animal species exhibit constant heat under the influence of Zearalenone, while others show total absence of heat.  The FDA has issued no advisory levels for Zearalenone recommending only that the levels of concern for DON be observed.  Swine are the most susceptible to the effects of Zearalenone.   It is suggested that Zearalenone not exceed 60 ppb in the total dairy cattle diet.

What conditions promote production of Zearalenone?

T-2 Toxin:
T-2 toxin is another Fusarium-produced toxin. T-2 toxin is associated with gastroenteritis, intestinal haemorrhages, and death in cattle. The upper limit for T-2 is 500 ppb. Low levels in animal diets have shown decreased weight gains and poor performance.

Symptoms of T-2 toxin *Species

• Digestive disorders C, P, S
• Increased mortality C, P, S
• Reduced feed efficiency C , S
• Reduced growth C, S
• Bloody diarrhoea C, P, S
• Reduced egg and milk production C, P, S
• Haemorrhaging lesions of internal organs C, P, S
• Increased susceptibility to disease C, P, S
• Increased blood clotting time C, S

More info on dairy:       average analysis manure    |   feed analysis  |   lab analysis for dairy    |    monitor of digestion of feed  ZEA  |   Fumonisins | T2- toxine |