Mycotoxins.pdf

• Feeds contaminated with mycotoxins pose a risk to dairy cattle
• 2022 corn silage was frequently contaminated with mycotoxins
• Mycotoxin mitigation begins with good silage management
• Mycotoxicosis may be prevented with dilution and adsorbents
Molds produce toxic secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) affecting dairy cattle through decreased feed intake, reduced nutrient absorption, and impaired metabolism.
Hundreds of mycotoxins have been identified, with Fusarium molds producing toxins like Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone, T-2 toxin, and Fumonisin.
Aspergillus mold produces Aflatoxins and Ochratoxins, which can suppress the immune system, while Penicillium mold can produce Ochratoxins and lead to positive antibiotic milk tests.
A 2022 report found 100% of corn silage samples contained two or more mycotoxins, with Type B-trichothecenes (DON) in the highest concentrations.
Mycotoxin mitigation strategies include dilution and using adsorbents, with bentonites being a promising option for polar toxins like Aflatoxins.