ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2024 93 toms are usually subclinical, meaning they do not manifest in obvious signs but instead result in gradual performance declines, such as subtle but significant decreases in milk yield, impaired reproduction, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Over time, these subclinical effects can accumulate, resulting in substantial economic losses for the farm. One of the primary effects of mycotoxins is immune suppression. Mycotoxins can impair the function of immune cells, reducing the cow's ability to fight off infections. This can lead to an increase in somatic cell counts and a higher risk of mastitis or respiratory infections. Additionally, mycotoxins can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, including inflammation of the gut lining, which impairs nutrient absorption. This can result in weight loss, poor body condition, and a decline in overall herd health. Mycotoxins can also cause damage to specific organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. The liver, being the primary site of detoxification, is often the most affected organ. Mycotoxins, like aflatoxin B1, are known to cause liver necrosis, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis in severe cases. The kidneys, which are responsible for excreting toxins from the body, can also suffer damage, leading to renal dysfunction and compromised metabolic waste excretion. These organ-specific effects contribute to a cascade of health issues that diminish the overall productivity of dairy cows. Reproductive issues are another significant concern. Mycotoxins such as zearalenone, which mimic estrogenic activity, can interfere with the reproductive hormones of dairy cows, leading to irregular estrous cycles, reduced conception rates, and higher incidences of early embryonic loss. This not only affects the reproductive efficiency of the herd but also has long-term implications for herd replacement and milk production. Additionally, mycotoxins like aflatoxins can be transferred from contaminated feed into milk, raising food safety concerns and potentially leading to regulatory issues and financial penalties for producers. The presence of aflatoxin M1 in milk, even at low levels, can result in the rejection of milk shipments, causing substantial economic losses. Given the complex and often hidden nature of mycotoxin-related issues, it is essential to quantify their impact on dairy cow performance. To this end, Cargill has developed a performance loss calculator based on Aflatoxin Fumonisin Ochratoxin T2 Toxin Vomitoxin Zearalenone Herd’s number of cows Cows average milk production (kg/year) Milk price ($/kg) 5 1250 5 10 1800 110 10 1125 20 20 800 85 Limited Limited Limited Limited Low Limited 7 1200 10 15 1400 100 200 8500 0.5 Average Mycotoxin Contamination Worldwide (last 12 months) Dairy Cows Operation Inputs Cargill Performance Loss Calculator Output Mycotoxin Impact Description Silages TMR Concentrate Contamination* (ppb) *Values obtained by considering the average contamination of each category of ingredients and a ratio Silages/ Concentrate of 60/40 + - × ÷ + Economic Loss: 15.000$ Performance Loss: 1.5 to 2.0%
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