For Alltech the 2015 World Dairy Expo was more than simply the expo, it was an opportunity to set down with producers and educate them on a very specific subject and that was mycotoxins. Alltech Mycotoxin Roadshow featured speakers were Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels, Utrecht University, and Dr. Max Hawkins, Alltech Mycotoxin Management team nutritionist. Fink-Gremmels took an in-depth look at the role mycotoxins play in the health and performance of dairy cows and Hawkins provided an overview of the Alltech Mycotoxin Management programs.
“Under the conditions of modern agricultural practice, mycotoxin contamination of feed materials cannot entirely be avoided,” said Dr. Fink-Gremmels. “It is predicted that at the current level, the prevalence of mycotoxins will increase due to changes in the climate.”
Hawkins said that at Alltech they believe there multiple toxins are the issue and not any one particular toxin. There are multiple mycotoxins that lower levels and have an impact on cow health and performance.
“Producers need to be proactive rather than reactive,” Hawkins said. “Sample your silage and know what your risk is to implement proper management practices. If left unchecked and uncontrolled, contamination even at low levels will cause rumen issues in dairy cows, resulting in the loss of production.”
Hawkins said a total mycotoxin management program is key. This includes testing feed ingredients to calculate the estimated risk of mycotoxins in a feed. They also do an on-farm myco which includes a forage management elevation.
Listen to my complete interview with Dr. Hawkins here: Interview with Dr. Max Hawkins, Alltech
View and download photos from the event here: 2015 World Dairy Expo Photo Album
