SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2023 47 the reduced degradation of mycotoxins in the rumen. Scientific studies show that there is a clear correlation between mycotoxins and the quality of the rumen microbiome and its performance. Although the degradation of mycotoxins is more intense in lactating animals due to increased microbiome activity, decreased pH values as well as a shortened passage time have a negative effect on the degradation of mycotoxins. Both are frequently observed circumstances in high-yielding cows and are strongly influenced by the ration formulation. One of the mycotoxins, zearalenone (ZEA), is partially degraded to a form with an effect even more intense than that of the original molecule. ZEA is known for its estrogen-like effect. Its degradation product, α-zearanelol, has an even higher affinity for estrogen receptors than ZEA itself. EFFECTS ON ANIMAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE There is a very significant risk that relevant amounts of mycotoxins will not be degraded in the rumen. This results in a generally unspecific reduction in zootechnical performance and animal health. The clinical picture develops as a result of the direct cytotoxic effects of the various mycotoxins as well as the metabolic stress they cause. Thus, the mycotoxins can also promote the development of complex metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases. Laminitis is a good example. Laminitis is a multifactorial, metabolic disease that leads to an aseptic inflammation of the hoof corium and manifests itself in painful lameness. It develops through an interplay of many predisposing factors that lead to impaired microcirculation of the hoof corium and alteration of the retaining apparatus of the hoof bone. The following predisposing factors can be mentioned in this context: • Feeding (especially a high energy density) • Parturition • Systemic diseases such as rumen acidosis, mastitis, placenta retention, endometritis, abomasal displacement, fatty liver syndrome • Hoof health problems and poor housing conditions An increased endotoxin load often plays an important role in these various factors. Endotoxins are components of the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria. When they enter the bloodstream, this can lead to a dose-dependent inflammatory response. Since mycotoxins, even in small amounts, damage the integrity of the gastrointestinal barrier, they promote the uptake of endotoxins from the intestinal lumen. Thus, it becomes clear how complex the interactions of different toxins and metabolic diseases are. WHAT IS THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE TOXIN MANAGEMENT? Complex events typically require an equally complex approach. Thus, a single measure is unlikely to provide the solution to all problems. It is, therefore, important to avoid as many negative factors in the animals' environment as possible. One such negative factor is mycotoxins. Fortunately, there are effective, specific counterstrategies available in the form of toxin binders. • As a highly effective toxin binder, B.I.O.Tox® Activ8 contains comprehensively tested surface-acVarious possibilities for contamination of corn silage
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