ARTICLE 94 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2024 an exhaustive review of scientific literature. This calculator estimates the percentage of performance loss attributable to specific mycotoxins in different ruminant species. By enabling farmers to input their data such as milk yield and feed contamination levels, this tool allows farmers to understand the economic impact of mycotoxins on their herd and empowers them to make informed decisions about mycotoxin management and prevention strategies. For example, using our extensive analysis database and considering standard feeding practices, we were able to assess the average mycotoxins contamination for a total mixed ration in a dairy cow’s herd. Our performance loss calculator estimated that this contamination could lead to a 1.5% to 2% reduction in milk production. While this may seem minor, for a farm with 200 cows each producing 8,500 liters of milk per lactation, this translates to an annual financial loss higher than $15,000. Our performance loss calculator, combined with our extensive mycotoxin analysis database, provides dairy producers with the information they need to make informed decisions about mycotoxin management. By understanding the potential impact of mycotoxins on herd performance, producers can take proactive steps to mitigate these risks and protect their profitability. COMBATTING MYCOTOXINS: FROM FIELD TO FEED Managing mycotoxins in dairy production requires a comprehensive approach that addresses contamination at multiple points along the feed and production chain. The first step begins in the field, where careful agricultural practices can reduce the risk of fungal infection. Crop rotation is an effective strategy, as it disrupts the life cycle of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Selecting crop varieties that are resistant to fungal infections is another important preventive measure. Advances in plant breeding have led to the development of crop varieties with enhanced resistance to mycotoxin-producing fungi. Additionally, proper use of fungicides during critical growth stages, such as flowering and grain filling, can help protect crops from fungal infections. However, fungicide use should be carefully managed to avoid the development of resistant fungal strains and to minimize environmental impact. Timely harvesting is also crucial, as delayed harvests increase the risk of fungal infection and mycotoxin accumulation. During harvest, it's also important to avoid damaging the crops, as physical damage can create entry points for fungal infection. During storage, it is essential to control factors such as moisture, temperature, and air flow to prevent mold growth and mycotoxin production. Ensiling techniques that promote anaerobic conditions and rapid pH drop can also help minimize mold activity in silages. In addition, using storage additives, such as organic acids or preservatives, can help inhibit fungal growth and mycotoxin production during storage. However, the use of these additives does not destroy the mycotoxins already present in the raw materials. Despite the best efforts in the field and during storage and feed manufacturing, mycotoxins can still find their way into dairy cow diets. Therefore, the final line of defense against mycotoxins lies in the diet itself. First, it is critical to implement a proactive testing program on ingredients to quantify mycotoxin contamination and help find the best solution to minimize mycotoxin performance risks. Depending on the variety and the concentration of mycotoxins, incorporating an anti-mycotoxin agent (AMA) appropriate to the contamination is a relevant approach to mitigate their impacts. However, not all anti-mycotoxin agents are equal, and it is crucial to implement a strict development process to design products that will effectively meet each need. Indeed, in the battle against mycotoxins, a deep understanding of their physicochemical properties and animal physiology is crucial to developing effective solutions. At Cargill, we've harnessed this expertise to create our range of anti-mycotoxin agents, each tailored to target specific mycotoxins with precision*. Our product development process begins with the rigorous selection of technologies, including advanced binding agents and innovations that enhance intestinal health, organs protection, and immunity. We conducted extensive in-vitro binding tests under stringent conditions, ensuring that only the most effective agents were selected for further testing. These tests allowed us to identify technologies with both high af-
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