The World's source for Bovine Genetics
SELECTIONS - Winter 2006
Successful Reproduction:
Know About Mycotoxins


by Rob Hamaker, Agrarian Marketing Corporation

Quality feed is essential to a successful reproductive program. Due to variations in temperature, rainfall and overall growing conditions, nature can deliver conditions out of the dairyman’s control. This problem is mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins, toxic organic compounds produced by common soil-borne molds, can enter and infect the crop by various means. Airborne spores can enter corn at silking, following the silk into the grain. Likewise, spores may also enter the plant via plant tissue damage or as the seed germinates. In times of stress, plants become increasingly susceptible.

Conventional thought tells us when we see moldy feed there may be a problem. True, but knowing the majority of contamination happens during the growing season, the potential for the mycotoxin to already be present at harvest is quite high.

The mold plant is what we see and the mycotoxin itself is not readily visible. Therefore, mold-free feed may be contaminated. Conversely, it is possible to have moldy feed and no mycotoxins because not all molds are capable of producing a mycotoxin.

Looking for signs in the cow and listening to what she is saying by her overall productive, reproductive and immune functions is critical.

There are various mycotoxin tests available, so make certain the results can be interpreted correctly. Because of the high potential for field contamination, a simple mold test will not give you the complete and total picture.

The two most common groups of mycotoxin affecting dairy animals are produced by Aspergillus (aflatoxin) and Fusarium (DON, T-2 and zearalenone) species mold.

From a reproductive perspective, it is Fusarium that offers the largest threat. While DON and T-2 impair immune function, it is zearalenone that emits an estrogenic affect on the dairy cow. Symptoms may include vaginitis, short cycle heats, weak or silent heats, cystic ovaries, enlarged mammary glands in virgin heifers and even abortions.

If you suspect you have a mycotoxin concern in your herd, there is help. Agrarian Marketing® Corporation offers a family of direct-fed microbials, including Select BIOCYCLE PLUS™, specifically designed to assist the cow when challenged by mycotoxins.

Contact your Select Sires representative to determine which of these products will work best for you. For technical assistance, contact Agrarian Marketing at 888-254-2482.

Another Reproductive Solution™ from Select Sires!

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®Agrarian Marketing is a registered trademark of Agrarian Marketing Corporation,Middlebury, Ind.
™Select BIOCYCLE Plus and Reproductive Solution are trademarks of Select Sires Inc.

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