Selko
Mycotoxin risk management programme
Selko - Mycotoxin Risk Management for Dairy cows
Mycotoxins produced by moulds are a growing problem in ruminant feed production. Trouw Nutrition’s integrated risk management programme enables feed producers to make data-based decisions and use mycotoxin control products more precisely to address this issue.
It all starts with identifying the mycotoxin risk using our Mycomaster device; then it can be minimised at critical control points such as raw material storage, feed production and, finally, at farm level. Together with applying TOXO products in feed, this programme is proven to reduce overall mycotoxin risk.
Identifying the risks
To help identify the risk of mycotoxins in feed on the farm, Trouw Nutrition offers Mycomaster, a lateral-flow smart device that provides a reliable quantitative reading of the contamination levels in feed materials and compound feed. It enables rapid on-site, cost-effective and user-friendly analysis of six different mycotoxins: Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Ochratoxin and T2-HT2. This easy-to-use tool gives results within 15-30 minutes, which means that feed producers can analyse mycotoxins themselves. It can also be connected to Trouw Nutrition's global data exchange system.
Ensuring proper quality control
Since mycotoxins are produced by moulds, it is important that raw materials and feed are stored properly at feed mill or farm level. Quality control is key: new materials should be tested upon arrival to detect contamination levels and even reject raw materials if mycotoxin levels are exceeding guidance values.
Proper hygiene measures are also crucial on the farm to prevent mould and mycotoxin development at a later stage. For example, regular cleaning of feed troughs will prevent residue feed from getting mouldy. Pay special attention to silage, which can be prone to mould growth due to the favourable conditions during storage.
Finally, cow performance should be monitored closely, to detect any symptoms of increased mycotoxin levels.
Applying solutions
Once raw material or feed quality have been assessed and the mycotoxin levels identified, you may need to take further measures to prevent mycotoxins from affecting animal health and performance.
Trouw Nutrition’s TOXO products provide a complete solution against a broad spectrum of mycotoxins, combining four main modes of actions, designed to support ruminant health and performance during mycotoxin exposure.
- Adsorption ability through smectite-based bentonite clays has been proven by numerous in vivo and in vitro validation studies. These ingredients do not bind other valuable nutrients in feed.
- Gut integrity is supported by specific glucose biopolymers, reinforcing enterocyte tight junction protein complexes, which are damaged by inflammation during mycotoxin exposure.
- Immune modulation through highly purified Beta glucans, which act as immune modulating agents with proven in vivo and in vitro efficacy.
- Anti-oxidative support through specific antioxidants and vitamins that promote the metabolism of mycotoxins in the cow’s liver.
Constant exposure to mycotoxins may lead to chronic toxicity and economic losses. A comprehensive mycotoxin risk management programme should be in place to prevent and reduce such economic losses.